Sunjata Fasa

The Sunjata Fasa is a heroic song narrative celebrating the medieval ruler Soundiata Keita, who unified the Mande empire. This article explores how the performance of this narrative by jaliw/djeliw (griots) reflects and renews the philosophy of a precolonial society that has learned to maintain a sense of itself and its origins while also allowing the space for individual expression and artistic development and change. These performances of the Sunjata Fasa are a critical method through which Mande culture and language is dispersed throughout the Mande diaspora. Through the spreading of the epic, the borders of the Mande kingdom are expanded and renewed, unlocking elements of social dynamism within individuals and creating a larger sense of community among the Mande diaspora. Through the examination of the Sunjata Fasa and its relationship to Mande society, language, and history, this article examines the dynamic relationship between Indigenous languages, social institutions, and musical performances.