DONSODON

​Donsodon literally means “the Hunters’ Dance” (Donso = hunter, Don = dance). It is a traditional rhythm dedicated to hunters.

Donsodon is also sometimes called Daju, after one of the songs traditionally performed with this rhythm. Daju means “bad mouth”, referring to someone whose words are believed to have the power to bring misfortune.

Daju was the nickname of a renowned hunter. Whenever meat became scarce, the people of his village would seek him out, as he always returned from the hunt with plenty of game. According to tradition, whatever Daju said—or even thought—would come true. If he spoke or thought ill of someone, misfortune was believed to befall that person.

Another song set to this rhythm by Famoudou Konaté is Inguiya.