I saw this amazing documentary at Bonnaroo 2008. Afterwards Bela Fleck did a Q&A sesh. Yes, he ended up signing my $90 Wal-Mart Banjo! At the time of this writing, I'm posting from Cotonou, Benin, Africa.
@badilejo
8 ай бұрын
“I don’t think I’m going to be able to blend in.” 😂😂 Indeed, he doesn’t… but he DOES.
@flapjackson6077
6 ай бұрын
This is historically important. Absolute beauty.
@ElectricCelt56
10 ай бұрын
Love the Afro sound- the poly rhythms, the imperfect pitches, the call- response. Lovely sentiments about village life and music.
@jcole3614
2 жыл бұрын
mind blown. Bela never ceases to amaze me, and Ruth Akello brought tears. this is so badly needed everywhere right now. even just to watch it.
@jenniferhill315
2 жыл бұрын
Watched at your suggestion, and will watch again. What a gentle and vibrant spirit to all of this. A peacefulness that I haven't felt in a very long time.
@DanFrechette
4 жыл бұрын
This movie I discovered through a friend tonight. It is life changing. This is what music is all about.
@donhurst1409
2 жыл бұрын
Just amazing! This must be Dan from Wpg. Mandolin guy Don from Joe's.
@DanFrechette
2 жыл бұрын
@@donhurst1409 Yes!
@donhurst1409
2 жыл бұрын
@@DanFrechette We met at one of Joe Warbanski's jams. i had the '27 gibson mando. Heard u were down in the US. Hope you are doing well and making' it!
@boxman48patrickcasey32
2 жыл бұрын
I just discovered this movie through an old friend in Seattle...glad to see that you enjoyed it as well. This is an amazing piece of work!!! I agree...this is what music is all about.
@SuperDaveOkie
Жыл бұрын
Despite being a total beginner on the banjo and almost entirely ignorant of the musicology of Africa, I found myself moved to tears by the universal experience of watching great human beings make music together. Absolutely wonderful documentary!
@mapimapi1971
Жыл бұрын
The same feelings. Good said.
@TaalPanchamSawari
10 ай бұрын
Well said Sir! One of the best documentaries i have ever watched. moved to tears several times.
@DavidAndrewsPEC
7 ай бұрын
I agree. I cannot watch this without crying.
@marcdunn7716
3 ай бұрын
It was incredible hey
@marcdunn7716
3 ай бұрын
Absolutely brilliant..I've been playing for 15 years and can't believe I've never seen this. Great to watch and listen, and a fantastic history lesson too.
@Kaotiqua
4 жыл бұрын
Bela's so down to earth- so humble. He never tries to overshadow the music of the different people, but as he said, to find his place in it. Amazing player, and amazing person. Beautiful from beginning to end.
@sunnieemerson6814
3 жыл бұрын
and a very gentle soul
@rjmoney9
3 жыл бұрын
he has the best combo: very high talent, very driven worth ethic, and a humble personality
@nmd3132
2 жыл бұрын
he's lovely and sensitive as a musician in other peoples' cultures, but he's rude and condescending as hell to his wife. it's heartbreaking to witness.
@Kaotiqua
2 жыл бұрын
@@nmd3132 When and how was he rude or condescending to her? What makes you say that? You can't just drop that kind of a trollbomb in comments and expect it to be believed without any evidence. I've never seen them be anything but happy and comfortable together. They're a lovely, funny, and incredibly talented couple.
@nmd3132
2 жыл бұрын
@@Kaotiqua watch them play together. you'll hear his remarks.
@ajadeleye4970
10 ай бұрын
I'm not even sure how I'd react if i saw Bela Fleck just sitting at the airport pluckin around 😮
@gregarnold8954
2 жыл бұрын
The rhythmic complexity of so much African music, the centuries old musical traditions and lyrical stories, the easy embrace of it all and the delighted smiles and Joy passed around at every musical gathering; This is the universal spirit of Africa, and of all music. The humble beauty of listening to each other, of speaking the common language of Music - of harmony and peace, is something the human race can always learn so much from. If you haven’t been to Africa - go if you can. If you’ve never played an instrument … it’s never too late to start. Both of these things will change your life forever … for the better.
@vleiratfilms2020
Жыл бұрын
I have loved and played banjo since learning from a Pete Seeger LP and book course 60 years ago. I have followed Bela Fleck since hearing him on radio in the 60s I think. Rediscovered him on KZitem a few years ago. So grateful to this amazing musical man. Seeing him here in Africa on this movie and how he blends with the musics is extraordinary. Thank you for allowing us to see and hear this. What a privilege 🎥🎶🪕❤️
@CrossBonesAlex
3 жыл бұрын
I love the group improvisation on this massive marimbaphone - healing social interaction
@ColonelForkEyes
2 жыл бұрын
Revisited this for the first time in many years after recommending it to a friend in random conversation tonight; damn, it still slaps hard. Gets me on an emotional level, tears of joy, blah
@flapjackson6077
6 ай бұрын
I just discovered it for the first time. I know the feeling, my brother. It’s beauty.
@jdavies1296
11 ай бұрын
Pure music. I just love this movie.
@JTuaim
3 жыл бұрын
Community through music is so inspiring. We need this in America. We could play, sing, dance, and feast together. Share our differences instead sniffing the clouds at each other.
@gracestokes3288
Жыл бұрын
Music is the most beautiful language. This is so moving.
@nedisahonkey
4 жыл бұрын
The thumb piano has to have one of the most beautiful tones I have ever heard. I simply must have one.
@christinaleung7531
Жыл бұрын
HOW CAN I SPONSOR A BANJO TO AN AFRICAN in need ?? I just bought my first banjo and I am here for it! Thanks Bela and all for bringing us this musical postcard from Africa.
@nonombre7159
Жыл бұрын
It's amazing how close the pieces he did in Gambia and Mali were to high lonesome bluegrass. The melodies and style of singing is almost identical to traditional bluegrass. Outside of some minor stylistic differences, IT'S THE SAME MUSIC!! Across an ocean and two completely different groups of people but the music is the same. Blows my mind.
@augustzelenak9565
Жыл бұрын
This film was beautiful! Thank you Africa and all of your people! And thank you Béla for bringing banjo back to its roots!
@michaelfreemanmusic9149
Жыл бұрын
A beautiful, inspiring documentary. One of my all time favourites ♥
@laurapatriciabernaljardon5406
10 ай бұрын
Maravilloso film visual, musical, historia , soy fan de Bela Fleck , gracias Tommaso por compartir esto tan hermoso, abrazos desde Tulum, Q, Roo, Mexico.
@uduboy
2 жыл бұрын
One of the absolute greatest recordings to have been created - EVER!!!! Thank you Bela for your humility, for honoring the instrument, it's origin and the beautiful people who first created it - and of course.... for creating and sharing the music. I listen deeply to this body of music often. Incredibly inspiring.
@6bonjour
4 жыл бұрын
Why doesn't this have a million views. Amazing!
@richardlara298
3 жыл бұрын
The message of truth is not what a majority white hegemony wants to have become known... They want to write the history showing how superior and benevolent the anglo saxon is to any other non-anglo people. Never mind the truth, which is why the push against any race theory enlightenment is embraced. Truth: majority of white people are sick and tired of the racism behind the greatness of trump's america. Bela fleck added another straw to the back of the trumpian american camel, not to mention the Creator who is not partisan.
@kennethhacker1341
2 жыл бұрын
That's what I'm saying!!! Gezzzzz ..we need this in America again..
@petersteemers2047
4 жыл бұрын
This brings me back to the 60's when I was a young lad. My Dad was stationed in various parts of Africa and brought back music and song on vinyl records. I still have them have them so now I must seek them out. Fabulous trip Bela, and fabulous documentary, I loved every minute of it, well done, 12 years later!
@Alex-ne1fe
3 жыл бұрын
the song at 15:20 is genuinely the most heart touching thing I have possibly ever heard
@bartoandreskibinski2253
Жыл бұрын
Dear Béla, thank you for this movie. Watched it immediately after listening to your conversation with Victor Wooten about his book, The Spirit of Music. Itˋs very rare here in Europe, to meet people who are able to make music like that. One day, I wish to find them
@sunnieemerson6814
5 жыл бұрын
I"m so glad you did this, Bela. I have watched it over and over in the past 10 yrs since you brought it to the sarasota film festival with a smile thru most from ear to ear! I"m in heaven while watching and would like to jump thru the screen and live with these musical people..especially in Jinja! I'd have to be the 2nd women to break the tradition of only men playing the thumb piano and marimba though!
@stepitupandgo67
3 жыл бұрын
I can't believe that this isn't one of the greatest selling movies of all time...it's just required viewing if you're a human being, epecially if you're a musician....or even a 'musician'
@steelyman08
Жыл бұрын
What a fantastic movie! Why had I never heard of this when I like his music so much? It only came up on my feed today. Just saw Bela & friends last week. Had no idea he'd worked on anything like this. A universal language. At least we have the one that all can relate to. That thumb piano section is sheer magic. Thank you for the wonderful upload ♥
@BlackRootsUNLIMITED
10 ай бұрын
I live in Uganda, I'm a Musician, an anorak of sorts, and even I didn't know till today that Bela Fleck was in Uganda! Incredible.
@sunnieemerson6814
Жыл бұрын
Such happy people! And so community/group oriented-which I love. Nobody works alone.
@user-ve4lp3yj1b
Жыл бұрын
It's a beautiful movie....thank you Bela Fleck......thank you wonderful Ugandan, Tanzanian, and Malian musicians....I will share this with others.
@kindredrivers4008
3 жыл бұрын
Literally the BEST thing I have EVER seen. Even the credits were perfection xD
@glenbelson5485
4 жыл бұрын
Music brings us all together, silence drives us apart.
@okolekahuna3862
2 жыл бұрын
That kamal ngoni instrument is beautiful.
@sunnieemerson6814
Жыл бұрын
The words of his song make me cry spontaneously too for my gone father, 'though I believe he's watching. over. Our tears is our missing them.
@benandamy2
3 жыл бұрын
Loved this...amazing music on fascinating instruments! Made me smile, made me cry. Beautiful.
@garyhighley9022
3 жыл бұрын
one of the best things on the tube.
@anniemamaof2as
10 ай бұрын
This is beautiful! I never realized that the banjo orginated in Africa. Thank you for this documentary.
@RaysTrack
Жыл бұрын
An hour and a half of sheer joy and wonder. Astounding on so many levels. Thank you for posting.
@rjmoney9
3 жыл бұрын
Bela has many talents on the banjo, but I think his best skill is his ability to communicate. From Chick Corea to Dave Matthews to these awesome african artists... he knows how to fit in and contribute beautiful music in seemingly any context 31:53 "We are together" sums it up perfectly.
@danielbishop5752
Жыл бұрын
Truly a universal language.
@garybrockwell2031
Жыл бұрын
Where it was BORN, from a turtle & a stick... The best sound to play is the banjo man ...... Love you boy's, and learnt this FACT👍💪💯🙏🗣️🎬😍🇬🇧🙏👁️☠️👁️🆘🇬🇧 How many ways you can make a sound & a SMILE✌️
@CMMCM
Жыл бұрын
such a beautiful documentary and album. To me, is not the bringing different people together, but finding that the commonalities are greater than the differences.
@samisntreal3278
Жыл бұрын
I can’t put my finger on exactly what makes this so powerful. The raw beauty of shared connection through music that spans all humanity is cathartic.
@kikulefredrick5650
2 жыл бұрын
This is what music is all about, we the musicians we should be there for others to be productive and proactive in collaborating with fellow musicians. I come from uganda and am a musoga by tribe. Am an African percussionist and multiple instruments player. Bela thank you for the opportunities and the great work you are doing.
@BlackRootsUNLIMITED
10 ай бұрын
I come from Uganda too 👊🏿🖤
@stephenhanson3309
3 жыл бұрын
fantastic documentary, astounding playing
@henryemrich7209
2 жыл бұрын
Merely by existing, this makes the world better. There needs to be more stuff like this!
@gilesgrey6673
2 жыл бұрын
I didn't want this to end
@ruthieworldtravels208
2 жыл бұрын
OMG . . . I cannot believe this is online for FREE!
@rhtythmregurgitator
3 жыл бұрын
A wonderful film featuring some some of my musical heroes whom I have seen live at Womad festivals, Bassecou Kouyate , Amy Sac, Oumou Sangare, and most of all the ever smiling Djelimady Tounkara. And the legendary Zawose family.
@kathrynswords2400
4 жыл бұрын
"the worried songbird" at 1:24:44 made me cry. her voice. that song.
@littlecarol2018
4 жыл бұрын
The name of that song is "Djorolen" and you can hear it on youtube as a standalone song by Bela Fleck and Oumou Sangare (it is the same singer, and the same song version as in this video movie documentary). I also love this song very much. She has the best voice I ever heard that speaks to my heart.
@stefgav
4 жыл бұрын
Sitting here at that point flooding tears and reading this
@DrewElGringasho
3 жыл бұрын
That's Oumou Sangare and she is WORLD famous. A superstar. Maybe not as big as beyonce or someone like that but she is a superstar. Definitely everyone in west africa knows her. Check her other albums out!
@joniwink_i
3 жыл бұрын
@@DrewElGringasho yess! I saw her live once - what a Queen!
@nedisahonkey
4 жыл бұрын
This has got to be the most amazing documentary I've ever seen on the universality of music across all people and cultures. Love of music is something shared by almost all humans and I think the more we recognize that the vast majority of us have far more in common than not, the easier we will find it to empathize with each other and live as neighbors. We're going to have to realize sooner than later that we are a single species sharing a single planet. Any instincts towards tribalism that are innate in humans might have been advantageous when we were hunter-gatherers, but they merely hinder us in our modern world.
@sunnieemerson6814
3 жыл бұрын
Amen!
@ruthieworldtravels208
2 жыл бұрын
Isn't it though?
@wildbillchristiansen993
6 ай бұрын
I'm an African Dancer and musician. Brought here in a very mystical way. I've picked cotton for an African UMDUNDUM SAMBCREEKIAL SENEGAL WEST AFRICA. I PLAY BUT TALKING DRUM IS MY GIG. I'VE HAD VERY STONEY VISIONS IN THE CASAMANCE. I REALL ENJOY YOUR MOVIE THANKS. SAKOR MY BROTHER IN DAKAR. WE'VE PLAYED AND DANCED ON GOREE My mouth waters seeing the beautiful food.
@smilingvulture
2 жыл бұрын
music from home made basic instruments is stunning , timing perfect
@marqy007
2 жыл бұрын
Such beautiful, gentle, happy, friendly, musical people. Music is the centre of their lives. This vid is so ironic in that, here's an very talented white westerner visiting the ancestors of civilized humanity and Bela showing them what their invention that has evolved into 500 years later. This brought tears...we're ALL inherently musical. A most excellent and educational video! Thankyou Mr. Bela Fleck...and crew and the beautiful people of Africa.
@ellane8441
3 жыл бұрын
Amazing Journey! So Proud, Honored and Respectful !! Thank You Bela Fleck..!
@rolfbrunner3016
3 жыл бұрын
Very good,very nice,good musik,and Bela wants to come in slowly,not dominating.I love this documentary
@chappahx
6 ай бұрын
So beautifully done and with much respect! Salut!
@robertberrios4742
Жыл бұрын
This is such a great film. Experiencing how music unites us all regardless of geographical boundaries is very inspiring. Bela is so genuine regardless of where or whom he is around. The talent shown by all these people from the four African countries is eye-opening. I love all variety of music! Music seems to permeate in every minute of the lives of the people in Africa.
@oddjobs3025
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Bela...AND for surrounding yourself with the worlds best musicians.
@Santurys
5 ай бұрын
Fantastic documenyary. Word Music Bela & African songs is wonderfull 🙏🏽
@kreedbuttcheek7650
2 жыл бұрын
A couple of years ago I had a small taste of this felling my uncle is Ethiopian and I've been playing banjo for four years now and he brought out a masenqo and a harp of some sort and we played together for a couple of hours it really was a experience
@brendanivey7814
10 ай бұрын
This movie has awesome handshakes
@nancyschneider5039
2 жыл бұрын
I sat transfixed .... literally , could not remove myself from this. ....must have stirred my roots also. What a fantastic experience Bella .... expect you will take it with you to the grave. Thank you for taking me with you on your journey..... from a banjo ( music ) enthusiast
@TroyKC
4 жыл бұрын
I'm white, but one of my ancestors was a black slave woman from Angola ... taken by the Dutch to "New Netherland" (New York) her daughter was half Dutch and half African and was free and owned a business ... I am her descendant. I know, ancient history, but it's there.
@gilthethrill9179
3 жыл бұрын
One of the hosts says music is in everything they do in life..... I work at a metal fabrication shop in the U.S. and the diff machines running create rythms and beats....helps get me thru the long days.
@Ninbarra
3 жыл бұрын
I lived in The Gambia and it was their tradition to offer everyone food and to host any traveler for a night. Beautiful!
@gabitamiravideos
2 ай бұрын
Beautiful! I recall a legend that mambo music was inspired by the rhythms of a kitchen, and drops falling in a bucket. Your story resonates.
@daytonwoodford4386
10 күн бұрын
Funny hour into the doc-Belavis moving head to the beat-jam on bela fleck
@wesleyofficer1237
4 жыл бұрын
I watched the entire thing in one sitting, I seriously laughed all the time! I cried like crazy! I understood the emotions.. I love the journey! I love the story! THANK YOU to all of the people in their small towns, villages, and large cities, who shared their homes, their music, and their experience! and two Bela Fleck and all the producers so much for bringing this out in public for us to enjoy!
@miguelm9961
4 жыл бұрын
isnt this one of the best docs EVER?!
@icaro9605
4 жыл бұрын
@@miguelm9961 for mi this is one of the best movies i ever seen
@miguelm9961
4 жыл бұрын
@@icaro9605 agreed. thank goodness for people who appreciate culture nobody I know has seen this... yet
@CrossBonesAlex
3 жыл бұрын
Great song at 1:16
@DaveMulo666
3 жыл бұрын
The way he masters the art of banjo like no other, his musical freedom and limitless creativity, the ability to travel between every genre, make him for sure one of the greatest musician alive.
@mario7frankielee
2 жыл бұрын
thank you tommaso🙏🙏🙏
@anniemamaof2as
10 ай бұрын
This is absolutely amazing and heart-felt. I have been brought to tears...in a good way. Thank you to all who made this possible. I'm amazed! And happy. 😊
@yunggaucho3534
4 жыл бұрын
Playing the blues in Mali 🇲🇱
@okolekahuna3862
2 жыл бұрын
South African music is so intricate rhythmically. Beautiful
@Ricardo1ful
3 жыл бұрын
No words. Just wonderful.
@jerryoutlaw3396
10 ай бұрын
BRAVO!!!! Wonderfulness in the human experience.
@yunggaucho3534
4 жыл бұрын
@53 minutes they look very happy that the two instruments actually compliment each other!
@TheSilentFool
4 жыл бұрын
I didn't realize the only 2 clips I've seen from this movie happen in the first 20 minutes.
@Liberia_nutube2005
3 жыл бұрын
I love you Africa , you have given us so much that we may never be able repay you 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰
@notadonna5983
2 жыл бұрын
I happened to listrn to radio yesterday, which I haven't done in a long while, and there was this interview with Bela. I somehow remembered his name and here I am 3 hours later, in bliss and awe. Thank you to all who contributed. My spirit is renewed.
@johnhrichak3451
Жыл бұрын
The Super Rail Band! Yes indeed!
@davidjohnson-waller1376
2 жыл бұрын
I loved this doc the first time I saw it . In 93 I also joined through the south to find the father of the banjo which I was a player at the time . Finding it in Zimbabwean blind busker and his son on the streets of harere and being told it was from the border lands with Mozambique from the Chopi tribe. The high tracey ethnomusic museum in Grahams town South Africa is where was barrel recording of the Chopi a war devastates tribe......
@davidbarbour2368
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Bela.
@betsychina8973
5 жыл бұрын
That was the best investment of my time in a long while. That's the way I like to learn about a continent, I now realize. Once country at a time, hand in hand with Bela Fleck. Through music. With heart. I may see if I can get this into local schools, shown one country at a time, over the lunch hour.
@dbadagna
5 жыл бұрын
When Fleck brought a bunch of the artists from this film on a U.S. tour after the film was released, they played near me at Oberlin College in Ohio, and a few of my friends who attended said that, hands down, it was the best concert they had ever attended in their lives.
@sunnieemerson6814
5 жыл бұрын
YOu got it! I feel the same way!!!
@sagetom8897
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this amazing a rich documentation of the cross pollination of so many masters, The beautiful images and soulful sounds match in their excellence.
@georgekiapos1
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing documentary! So beautiful, heartfelt and truly Genuine!
@ronnex2100
2 жыл бұрын
So happy to see people who have a real interest in exploring the roots of music equipment from Africa. The documentary was an eye opener as I was able to learn more about the akonting and the ngoni. They actually resemble the modern day banjo only with less sophistication. Well, the traditional one was "traditional" hence less sophisticated. I am from Kenya and here we have the wandidi. I can't see a huge distinction. Fleck should come to Kenya and witness this one too.
@BlackRootsUNLIMITED
10 ай бұрын
Just landed on the documentary after watching Rick Beato's video and someone in the comments section recommending it; he actually starts right here in Uganda. I had no idea he was here! I first knew about him when I was watching Victor Wooten live videos in the early 2000's! Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤
@justwatching55
2 жыл бұрын
Just picked up the banjo, taking lessons and looking for inspirational players. Found one!
@Agondonter777
5 жыл бұрын
This was amazing! Thank you! Bela is the man, this was so inspiring.
@user-wc4ox9up2n
4 ай бұрын
Amazing journey!
@dozensides
3 ай бұрын
Beautiful theater
@sheercerebralpower
4 жыл бұрын
Beautiful documentary
@FirstLast-cd6vv
7 ай бұрын
Seems like they found his playing more amusing than anything else.
@raylovescm
3 жыл бұрын
Very moving and educational at the same time. Many Thanx for making this possible and available to the world. UKRay
@maazvdo
3 ай бұрын
Great movie❣️ Thanks for share, Tommaso Massarelli.
@guitarbug
4 жыл бұрын
Amazing documentary, very meaningful. Seems like African songs are mostly using minimal chords and modes...but emphasizing alot on singing technique and rhythm variations, almost no chord progressions like music we use to know.
@Celticman197
4 жыл бұрын
There are no scales, note timing or patterns. And that gourd with a stick attached bears no resemblance to a banjo. I don't see how the connection between the two were ever made.
@nickyapenahier9214
4 жыл бұрын
Thunderbird88 how can you play music without scales 🤯😳?
@mickeymuggeridge2441
3 жыл бұрын
wall to wall bangers
@anunglazoe
4 жыл бұрын
Thankyou! so much for uploading this. Been watching it every now and then over the years on my laptop but now I can watch on the go on my phone and also easily share the link with friends. Thanks again! 🙏
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