African Studies Media Catalog
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Africa I Remember: A Musical Synthesis of Two Cultures (DVD : 30 min. ) [2004]
DVD 7984
Abstract: Tunde Jegede, a black musician and composer, bridges two classical traditions. His instrument is the kora, an African harp lute whose roots are in the court of 13th century Mali. First introduced to the kora in Britain by a Senegalese musician, Tunde later studied in the Gambia where he found himself immersed in its rich oral tradition. In this film, we follow him to the villages of West Africa where he learns from local musicians. We also see him perform his compositions with the London Sinfonietta. What is remarkable about Tunde's music is the way it combines West African and classical European traditions, bringing together a love of both cultures. Combining African experiences with Western structures, spontaneous composition with written musical notation, his The Cycle of Reckoning reflects on the legacy of the African slave trade.
Director: Tunde Jegede Distributor:Filmakers Library
Keywords: Gambia, kora, folk music
Justice at Agadez (Videocassette : 78 min. ) [2005]
VHS 9201
Abstract: In the Western African country of Niger, the official justice system of this former French colony is based on the Napoleonic Code. A small percentage of the population still subscribe to superstitious beliefs and seek the advice of traditional healers. But in this largely Muslim nation, many citizens seek justice from the local Islamic judge, or Cadi, who interprets Koranic law. Filmed in the village of Agadez in northern Niger, Justice at Agadez chronicles seven typical cases heard by the local Cadi. The film unobtrusively witnesses these seven 'stories' --small civil disputes, domestic conflicts, marriage problems, accusations of theft. With the small vestibule of his home serving as a 'courtroom,' the Cadi listens to the complaints and often heated arguments of all parties to the dispute -- sometimes just a husband and wife but at other times a room full of shouting people-- listening patiently, frequently posing questions and seeking clarification, before rendering his judgment. The movie not only demonstrates the power of Islamic religious beliefs in enforcing both moral and civil behavior, but also provides viewers with a rare opportunity to see how Islamic law actually functions on an everyday basis, unlike the manner in which it has often been sensationalized in the Western media.
Director: Christian Lelong Distributor:First Run/Icarus Films
Keywords: Niger, justice system, Islam, Koranic law, law, religion, disputes, marriage
Page(s): 1
Africa I Remember: A Musical Synthesis of Two Cultures (DVD : 30 min. ) [2004]
DVD 7984
Abstract: Tunde Jegede, a black musician and composer, bridges two classical traditions. His instrument is the kora, an African harp lute whose roots are in the court of 13th century Mali. First introduced to the kora in Britain by a Senegalese musician, Tunde later studied in the Gambia where he found himself immersed in its rich oral tradition. In this film, we follow him to the villages of West Africa where he learns from local musicians. We also see him perform his compositions with the London Sinfonietta. What is remarkable about Tunde's music is the way it combines West African and classical European traditions, bringing together a love of both cultures. Combining African experiences with Western structures, spontaneous composition with written musical notation, his The Cycle of Reckoning reflects on the legacy of the African slave trade.
Director: Tunde Jegede Distributor:Filmakers Library
Keywords: Gambia, kora, folk music
Justice at Agadez (Videocassette : 78 min. ) [2005]
VHS 9201
Abstract: In the Western African country of Niger, the official justice system of this former French colony is based on the Napoleonic Code. A small percentage of the population still subscribe to superstitious beliefs and seek the advice of traditional healers. But in this largely Muslim nation, many citizens seek justice from the local Islamic judge, or Cadi, who interprets Koranic law. Filmed in the village of Agadez in northern Niger, Justice at Agadez chronicles seven typical cases heard by the local Cadi. The film unobtrusively witnesses these seven 'stories' --small civil disputes, domestic conflicts, marriage problems, accusations of theft. With the small vestibule of his home serving as a 'courtroom,' the Cadi listens to the complaints and often heated arguments of all parties to the dispute -- sometimes just a husband and wife but at other times a room full of shouting people-- listening patiently, frequently posing questions and seeking clarification, before rendering his judgment. The movie not only demonstrates the power of Islamic religious beliefs in enforcing both moral and civil behavior, but also provides viewers with a rare opportunity to see how Islamic law actually functions on an everyday basis, unlike the manner in which it has often been sensationalized in the Western media.
Director: Christian Lelong Distributor:First Run/Icarus Films
Keywords: Niger, justice system, Islam, Koranic law, law, religion, disputes, marriage
September 16, 2008: Geoffrey Nyarota
