What is an Akonting?

The akonting is a traditional West African instrument, specifically originating from the Jola people in Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. It is a three-stringed lute-like instrument that is often regarded as the ancestor of the banjo. The akonting is constructed using a gourd body, a long wooden neck, and three strings, traditionally made from fishing line or horsehair. In this article, we explore the akonting, a traditional West African instrument that serves as a predecessor to the banjo.

The instrument’s unique sound is created by plucking the strings, which are attached to a bridge at one end and tied to the neck at the other. The strings are typically tuned to a pentatonic scale, which gives the akonting its characteristic melodic and rhythmic patterns. The player uses their fingers to pluck the strings, while the other hand can press down on the neck to change the pitch or use rhythmic techniques like slides, bends, and vibratos.

Traditionally, the akonting has been played by griots, who are West African musicians and oral historians. They use the instrument to accompany storytelling and singing, often weaving intricate melodies and rhythms to enhance the narratives they share. The akonting serves as both a musical instrument and a tool for cultural preservation, passing down stories, traditions, and histories from one generation to the next.

The akonting’s influence can be traced to the development of the banjo in the Americas. During the era of transatlantic slavery, West African musical traditions merged with European influences, resulting in the creation of the banjo. The banjo shares similarities with the akonting in terms of its construction, playing techniques, and musical characteristics. Thus, the akonting holds historical significance as a precursor to the banjo, highlighting the cultural connections and legacies shaped by African music.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in reviving and preserving the akonting tradition. Efforts have been made to teach and promote the instrument both within West Africa and internationally. The unique sound and cultural heritage associated with the akonting make it a valuable instrument in the exploration of West African music and its global impact.

How is the Akonting Played?

The akonting, a West African folk lute from the Jola people, boasts a unique and rhythmic playing style known as “o’teck.” This technique shares similarities with the American banjo’s “clawhammer” or “stroke style.”

Here’s how it works:

Right Hand: The thumb brushes or “strokes” the single short “drone” string at the bottom, creating a rhythmic backbone for the melody.
Index or Middle Finger: The other hand plucks the melody string, usually the longest one, creating single notes and short phrases.
Downward Motion: Both the thumb and finger strike the strings in a downward motion, producing a distinct percussive sound.
Melody Focus: While the drone string provides a continuous rhythm, the focus is on playing melodies on the longer string.

This combination of strumming, plucking, and downstrokes creates a vibrant and dynamic sound that complements the akonting’s warm, gourd-like resonance. While the basic technique is straightforward, mastering the akonting requires practice and coordination to create intricate melodies and rhythmic variations.

What is the Akonting tuning?

The akonting’s tuning can vary slightly depending on geographical region, but it generally follows a three-string, open-string tuning pattern. Here’s a breakdown:

String Arrangement (from lowest to highest pitch):

Short “Drone” String: This string is typically tuned to the tonic (root note) of the chosen scale. Imagine it as the foundation of the melody.
Middle String: This string’s tuning often falls on the second major or third minor degree of the scale. It adds harmonic complexity to the melodies.
Long “Melody” String: This string is usually tuned an octave higher than the drone string, offering the fifth note of the scale. It’s the primary string used for playing melodies and phrases.

Here’s an example of a common akonting tuning in Casamance (Senegal):

String 1 (Drone): D (D3)
String 2 (Middle): G (G3)
String 3 (Melody): A (A4)

This tuning (D-G-A) creates a D pentatonic scale, a five-note scale commonly found in various musical traditions around the world.

Variations:

Gambian Jola: In Gambia, the melody string might be raised a semitone, creating a natural seventh degree (C#), resulting in a C# – D – G tuning.
Freedom of Choice: Traditionally, musicians tune their akonting according to their voice to ensure a harmonious blend when singing while playing.

Tips:

Standard guitar tuners can be used for the akonting, focusing on the open string notes.
Experiment with different tunings to find the sound that best suits your musical style and the song you’re playing.
Listening to recordings of traditional akonting music can provide valuable insights into tuning variations and playing techniques.

5 Famous Akonting players

Here are 5 individuals who have played a significant role in keeping the akonting tradition alive:

Jali Nyama Suso: A revered Gambian griot (storyteller and musician) known for his mastery of the akonting and other instruments. He played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the musical heritage of the Jola people.
Sana Ndiaye: A Senegalese musician and member of the hip-hop group Gokh-Bi System. He has gained recognition for incorporating the akonting’s unique sound into his contemporary music, creating a fusion of traditional and modern styles.
Yoro Cissokho: A Senegalese kora player and leader of the band Super Étoile de Dakar. While not solely an akonting player, Yoro Cissokho is a prominent figure in Senegalese music and has collaborated with akonting players, promoting awareness of the instrument.
Mamadou “Mbemba” Badiane: A Gambian musician and cultural ambassador who actively teaches and performs akonting music. He plays a vital role in passing on the akonting tradition to younger generations and sharing it with international audiences.
Bouba Diedhiou: A young akonting player from Casamance, Senegal. He gained recognition after a radio performance showcased his talent. Though information about his current activities might be limited, Bouba Diedhiou represents the future generation of akonting players carrying on the legacy of this instrument.

Listen to Akonting Music