Sofa means “warrior” in Malinke language.
The rhythm was played for the warriors on horseback.
It was played to support the brave and strong men going to combat, as well as a praise them for their success and bravery when they came back.
In the old days it was played on the Bolon, a string instrument.
The Bolon was played by “Griots des Guerre” (griots of the warriors) or griots who knew the history and had sung the praises of the wars and the warriors for generations.
Sofa is a very old Malinke rhythm from the Northeast of Guinea. It was originally played on a stringed instrument called a bölön to honour the bravery of warriors on horseback. In modern times it has been interpreted for djembe and bass drums.
Recorded by : Khong Audio Lab
