The Story of the Mandinka Epic
Introduction | Storytelling | Drumming | Doudou N'Diaye Rose | The Mandinka Epic | The Mandinka Story

 

The professional oral historians (also known as jelis or griots) of today's Mandinka society have taken great care in preserving their history and heritage through stories and songs passed down to each generation. The Mandinka Epic is a compilation of songs and short stories that gives a brief chronological history of the Mali Empire that was lead by the Mandinka tribe. The Mandinka Epic features costumes, songs, music and ritual dances that were extensively researched for this production. The songs are sung primarily in Wolof and Mandinka. Please note that Act I is provided here for your background, Act II, on the following page, is what the students will see during the Youth Performance.

ACT 1

Scene I
(Late 12th century)
Early morning in a small Mandinka tribal village. The women begin their chores and the fishermen cast their nets. The villagers gather in the market square.

Scene II
An invasion of the village by Sumanguru Kante, king of the Susu tribe, and his warriors. Other villages join the fight and the entire kingdom breaks out in war. Out storyteller consoles King Maghan, leader of the Mandinka tribe, telling him to be brave and that the Mandinka people shall overcome. Most of the royal clan is assassinated and King Maghan is driven into exile.

Scene III
(Early 13th century)
A few years later, the Mandinka village is under the rule of a puppet king controlled by Sumanguru. A celebration takes place in honor of Sumanguru featuring the dance of the bolong instruments. Sumanguru demonstrates his magical power that makes him and his warriors invulnerable to iron-made arrowheads and bullets.

Scene IV
(The arrival of the famous King Sundiata Keita, circa 1240)
While the Mandinka people are under the oppressive rule of Sumanguru, a young fragile son of the royal clan has been hidden and protected in a distant land. This royal son, named Sundiata Keita, becomes a remarkable athlete and grows into a mighty hunter. Our storyteller tells Sundiata to be a strong leader and that people will follow him. Sundiata leads a rebellion and rallies the Mandinka people to fight Sumanguru. The courageous Sundiata shoots and kills Sumanguru with an arrow tipped with the spur of a rooster. Under Sundiata's leadership, the Mandinka tribe gains dominance and he establishes the powerful Mali Kingdom. A fearless warrior, King Sundiata is later killed in battle.

Scene V
(King Sundiata Keita's funeral, circa 1255)
Without the leadership of Sundiata, there is much anxiety and fear among the people. Battles ensue between the tribes and the kingdom falls apart. Out storyteller tells the Mandinka people to be strong and not worry.

 

ACT 2
(the following scenes made up the content of the Youth Performance on March 10, 2000)

Scene I
Soothsayers inform a woman of her unborn child's future. They predict he will be the next great king of the Mandinka people. And so it happens that she gives birth to a royal son named Abu Bakari. As the child grows, he is beloved by all the people.

Scene II
Several years later, Abu Bakari inherits the throne. He leads the Mandinka people and neighboring tribes back to peace and prosperity. Once again the Mali Kingdom controls trade in West Africa. Everyone joins the celebration and honors the new king.

Scene III
(The launch of 2000 ships, approximately 1307 AD) King Bakari has always been attracted to the sea and its mystical nature. There are rumors among the fisherman and traders that there are other worlds beyond the great western sea. He envisions a vast voyage to seek new trade for his kingdom. As King Bakari builds a massive fleet of ships, he consults the soothsayers and they confirm the belief of distant unknown lands. To protect the Mali Kingdom, King Bakari bestows power and authority on his younger brother Kankan Musa with instructions that he is to assume the throne if King Bakari does not return. Despite the fears of the royal family and their advisors, King Bakari decides to embark on a voyage.

Scene IV
After a long and treacherous journey, King Bakari's armada arrives in the New World. The natives welcome the foreigners and show respect towards the foreign leader. King Bakari believes he has found his destiny. He sends home an emissary to announce this safe arrival and his decision to stay.

Scene V
(A new Mandinka king approximately 1312 AD) A celebration begins to honor the emissary's arrival home and the coronation of King Kankan Musa.

 

 

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