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Under the Baobab Tree

A sequence of poetry, prose and music focusing on Africa, with readings by Nikki Amuka-Bird and Richie Campbell.

The baobab tree is one of the most recognisable species in Africa. In many places, the enduring giant trees are a symbol of community, a place of gathering, and a location to exchange stories. Storytelling has played a fundamental role in communities across Africa for centuries, with the oral traditions of myths and legends handed down through generations. In modern times poets and writers have often focussed on the effects of colonialism, recent conflicts, and questions of identity. Combining these demonstrates the richness of African literature and the issues facing different nations today. Including music from Africa and beyond.

With Nikki Amuka-Bird and Richie Campbell.

1 hour, 15 minutes

Last on

Sun 22 May 2016 17:30
大象传媒 Radio 3

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:00

    Darius Milhaud

    La creation du monde (excerpt)

    Performer: Orchestre National de France Performer: Leonard Bernstein (conductor)

    • EMI CDC-7 47845 2.

  • John Wyndham

    The Myths of Life (publ. 1921), read by Richie Campbell

  • Tijan Sallah

    Sahelian Earth, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:05

    Toumani Diabat茅

    Be Mankan

    Performer: Toumani Diabate Performer: Ali Farka Toure

    • World Circuit WCD 083.
  • 00:10

    Claude Debussy

    Le danse de Puck (Preludes Bk 1)

    Performer: Maurizio Pollini (piano)

    • Deutsche Grammophon 445 187-2.

  • Elphinstone Dayrell

    Why the Bat flies at night, from 鈥楩olk Stories from Southern Nigeria鈥�, Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:13

    Camille Saint鈥怱a毛ns

    Aquarium from Carnival of the Animals

    Performer: City of Birmingham Syphony Orchestra Performer: Louis Fremaux (conductor)

    • EMI CDM 7 69842 2.

  • Heli Chatelain

    Folktales of Angola 鈥� 鈥楳an and Turtle鈥�, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:16

    Carl Nielsen

    Helios overture

    Performer: Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Performer: Neeme Jarvi (conductor)

    • Deutsche Grammophon 447 757-2.

  • James A. Honey

    Why Has Jacket a Long Black Stripe on his Back?, read by Richie Campbell

  • 00:25

    FSD (South Africa)

    Ngene

    Performer: Hugh Masakela

  • Sol Plaatje

    Mhudi, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:27

    Kurt Weill

    Lost in the Stars, Act 1 鈥� The Hills of Ixopo

    Performer: Gregory Hopkins (Leader) Performer: Concert Chorale of New York Performer: Orchestra of St Luke鈥檚 Performer: Julius Rudel (conductor)

    • Nimbus NI 2543.

  • Chinua Achebe

    Things fall apart, read by Richie Campbell

  • A proverb

    read by Richie Campbell

  • 00:32

    Sola Akingbola

    Witch Dance

    Performer: Sola Akingbola

    • Arc EUCD 2114.
  • 00:36

    Kevin Volans

    White Man Sleeps

    Performer: The Smith Quartet

    • United Recordings 88034.

  • Noemia de Sousa

    If you want to know me, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:37

    Johannes Brahms

    Viola Sonata Op.120 No.1, 2nd movement

    Performer: Lawrence Power (viola) Performer: Simon Crawford-Phillips (piano)

  • 00:42

    Trad.

    Malaika

    Performer: Miriam Makeba

    • Manteca MANTCD014.

  • Peter Abrahams

    Mine Boy, read by Richie Campbell

  • Ama Ata Aidoo

    Anowa, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:49

    Tunde Jegede

    Dancing in the Spirit

    Performer: The Smith Quartet

    • Signum SIGCD236.
  • 00:54

    Trad. Orisha chant

    Iroko

    Performer: Vocal Baobab

    • Arc Music EUCD 1965.

  • Yoruba proverb

    read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 00:55

    Steve Reich

    Music for 18 instruments

    Performer: Steve Reich and Musicians

    • Nonesuch 7559-79448-2.

  • Ben Okri

    The Famished Road, read by Richie Campbell

  • Lenrie Peters

    Homecoming, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 01:03

    Hugh Masekela

    Chileshe

    Performer: Hugh Masekela (brass) Performer: Tuli Masoka (bass) Performer: John Selolwane (guitar) Performer: Jethro Shasha (drums) Performer: Prince Lengosa (flugel horn) Performer: Khaya Mahlangu (trumpet) Performer: Don Laka (other instruments) Performer: Family Factory (backing vocals)

    • Columbia 498266-2.

  • Mondane Wally Serote

    Come and Hope with Me (excerpt), read by Richie Campbell

  • 01:09

    Kafala Brothers

    Lemba

    Performer: The Kafala Brothers

    • AA Enterprises AAECD 001.

  • Micere Githae Mugo

    I want you to know, read by Nikki Amuka-Bird

  • 01:10

    Fela Sowande

    African Suite: 4th mvt (Onipe)

    Performer: CBC Vancouver Orchestra Performer: Mario Bernardi (conductor)

    • CBC Records SMCD 5135.

  • Ben Okri

    An African Elegy, read by Richie Campbell

Broadcasts

  • Sun 10 Mar 2013 18:30
    大象传媒 Radio 3
  • Sun 22 May 2016 17:30
    大象传媒 Radio 3

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