Les Rois des Tambours au Haayre: Recitee par Aamadu Baa Digi, griot des FulBe a Dalla (Mali)

This work runs from the intensification of Islamic teaching during the region of Alu Maana, to the struggles and intrigues at the court when Seeku Aamadu reigned over the neighbouring Islamic emirate of Maasina, to the French colonial regime. During the latter episode, a lot of attention is given to the manipulation of the appointment if rulers and the subsequent decline of their power under Modibo Keita and Moussa Traore in independent Mali. This interference of the French has resulted in doubts of the legitimacy of the kings, which is symbolized by the royal drums that are no longer played upon. The political developments involving the foundation of two parties by the Malian state, further diminished the role of the leaders of the Haayre as mediators of the people. This development is embodied in the final sentence of the text when Aamadu Baa Digi desperately concludes that Jamaa oo, haya joonin, kaanankoo'be mon ‘be, laamu walaa , which is translated as Peuple, maintenant, vos rois, ils n'ont plus de pouvoir .