BOBA

Boba belongs to the Dya group of rhythms.

The word Bö means “twins.” It is traditionally played during the Dyalagban, a celebration held before a wedding, during which a bride-to-be invites her friends to spend one last festive day together before leaving her life as an unmarried woman.

According to tradition, Boba may have originated from the story of twins who were separated when one of them got married.

This rhythm is also known as Soliboba (because its melody resembles that of Soli), or Mandian.

Mandian was the name of a renowned dancer, and the name means “Man the Giant.” The song associated with this rhythm says: “I jump with my mother’s rice in my hand,” implying that “I can dance even while I’m eating.”

This particular rhythm is played in the first ternary swing, like Soli or Den for example.

DYA

Dya is a group of rhythms native to the Malinke ethnic group. It originated in Kankan before traveling to the regions of Kouroussa, and then Faranah.

Dya rhythms come from the game Dyalo, in which girls and boys meet at the full moon singing, clapping hands, dancing and jumping with a scarf.

Dya means “row”. During the game girls and boys kneel in rows and play to get acquainted and seduced by one another.

A row of girls and another of boys face each other and play to place a scarf around the neck of the person they love. If the attraction is mutual, the scarf will be kept. If not, it will be placed on someone else’s neck.

Percussion instruments appear at the Dyalagban, a party during which a bride about to marry invites her friends to celebrate and play together before losing her celibacy. This is the final Dya ceremony for the bride-to-be.

Lagban means “jump”. In this party, girls play by briefly approaching each other before suddenly turning to find their place in the row.

Dya parties are therefore intended for single girls and boys, serving as a meeting place.

Most of these information were told to Jeremy Tomasck by Sekouba Oularé during many conversations. You can find more details in his book “Viaje a la historia de los ritmos malinkes” (Sube La Marea editions, 2022).