Singing with the Dogon Prophet

The baja ni songs are a major song cycle performed in the Dogon funeral proceedings, attributed to a legendary figure called Abirɛ. This book examines how these prophecies offer an inside view of how the Dogon construct the present in a continuous dialogue with their past and their projected future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In the intricate and profound Dogon funeral ceremonies, a remarkable musical performance known as baja ni takes center stage, spanning a minimum of seven hours. The captivating lyrics of these chants are attributed to a legendary figure named Abirɛ, a blind singer who roamed the heartland of the Dogon during the nineteenth century. It is remarkable that the baja ni songs have thus far escaped the scholarly gaze, but now, through the collaborative efforts of Walter E.A. van Beek, Oumarou S. Ongoiba, and Atimε D. Saye, their English publication and insightful analysis are presented to the world. These texts delve into profound themes such as the intricate relationship between man and woman, the complex interplay between humanity and the supernatural realm, and the profound questions surrounding life and death. The entire night-long performance of the baja ni songs is a truly remarkable highlight of the funeral ceremonies, showcasing the Dogon's artistic and spiritual prowess. Moreover, Abirɛ holds the esteemed position of a prophet, and throughout his life, he has uttered numerous prophecies on a diverse range of subjects. These prophecies cover a wide spectrum, from local concerns to the intricate relationship between the Dogon and the Fulbe herdsmen, as well as the profound impact of colonialism and ecological transformation. This book aims to explore the profound connection between these prophecies and the baja ni songs, offering a unique insight into how the Dogon perceive and shape their present in a continuous dialogue with their past and their visionary future.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 229 x 160 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793654250