Traditional Songhai Dance pt 1

The Songhai form a group of West African peoples speaking one of several mutually intelligible Nilo-Saharan languages. They are culturally related to the Hausa and Fulani peoples. Although the Songhai are predominantly Muslim, many indigenous customs predate the coming of Islam in the early 10th century. This narrative dance, which has many elements of the Dongo cult, dates from this early period. This is an old clip from Nigerien TV. Part 2 is also posted. Instruments: DOODO - Talking drum KOTSO/KURUKUTU - traditional snare TSIRIKI - traditional flute GOGE/NJARKA - traditional fiddle