The Joy of Youth

Among the Senufo people of northern Côte dIvoire the balafon xylophone with calabash resonators is an emblematic musical instrument The music of the balafon is a source of joy while the young men are doing collective work in the fields at agegroup ceremonies for the poro initiatory society for the catholic mass and during young peoples dance evenings Musicians and nonmusicians young and old talk about the different occasions for which this instrument is an indispensable presence marking the rhythms of life for this agricultural people Traditional balafon music is far from dying out and its extraordinary vitality and importance are evident in the activities of the younger generations