Saa is a Malinke rhythm from the Faranah region. The word means snake, but also mentally immature person. Like Kennefoli it' s a rhythm that is played by the man who performes the circumcisions to boys (often the blacksmith). He also dances to the rhythm. Two examples are given here: one analysis of the "Malinke Rhythms and Songs, volume II" CD bij Famoudou Konaté (with song text), the other is transcribed from the book "Mamady Keïta: A Life for the Djembé" by Uschi Billmeier.

Saa wanin dee, Saa wanin dee ee ee
Saa wanin dee, san ta for na diarra koro dytajee

The song sings about that only the brave can endure the whip, the cowards flee like snakes.

WAP-pages / Paul Nas / Last changed at 27-02-2005

Kenkeni

O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

Sangban

O

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.

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O

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O

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O

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C

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O

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x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

Doun Doun

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

Djembé 1

S

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T

S

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S

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T

S

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S

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T

S

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S

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T

S

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r

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r

l

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r

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r

l

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r

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r

l

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r

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r

l

.

.

Djembé 2

S

.

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S

T

T

S

.

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S

T

T

S

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S

T

T

S

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.

S

T

T

r

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l

r

l

r

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l

r

l

r

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l

r

l

r

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l

r

l

CD analysis of the "Malinke Rhythms and Songs, volume II" CD from Famoudou Konaté
Call

T

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T

T

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T

T

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T

T

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f

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l

r

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r

l

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l

r

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Kenkeni

O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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O

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x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

Sangban

.

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O

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O

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O

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O

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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x

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Doun Doun

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

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O

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.

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O

O

.

O

O

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O

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x

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x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

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x

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x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

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Djembé 1

.

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S

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T

S

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S

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T

S

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S

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T

S

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S

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T

S

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r

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r

l

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r

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r

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r

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r

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r

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r

l

Doun doun echauffement:
Start:

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

repeat:

.

O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

.

O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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O

O

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

end:

.

O

O

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O

O

.

O

O

.

O

O

.

O

O

.

O

O

.

O

O

.

O

O

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

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x

x

index | legenda (nl) | legend (en) | inleiding (nl) | introduction (en)

Thanks for taking notice of this interpretation of this rhythm but please consult some real authority's (like Famoudou Konaté and Mamady Keïta) or genuine TEACHERS for further study. Check also the other SITES WITH RHYTHM-NOTATIONS on West African Percussion on the Internet. And share your knowledge and ideas to these WAP-pages and to others.