Musical resources and stylistic adaptability in the kamalengoni music of Burkina Faso

Resumo

Since the boom in wassoulou music from south Mali in the 1990s, the kamalengoni harp lute has extended to the neighbouring country of Burkina Faso, leading the way to new forms of cultural appropriation and adaptation of local and foreign music. In the urban center of Bobo-Dioulasso, this phenomenon reflects the development of a proper burkinabé musical identity, mostly inspired by the traditional songs of the dyula balafon and reveals the continuous explorations and stakes of musicians looking to achieve their personal style. This article seeks to analyse some of the resources that are assembled in the creative process of burkinabé kamalengoni players, while highlighting the notions that give sense to their quest of originality.