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Free CDs of a unique moment in music

Posted at 11:51 AM on December 31, 2009 by Euan Kerr (14 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Dance, Music

Poster produced for the concert recorded in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo (Image courtesy Jesse Hardman)

Last night on the local broadcast of All Things Considered you may have heard an interview with Minnesotan journalist Jesse Hardman. He told the story of how, while working in Sri Lanka, he came across a small enclave of people who are descendents of soldiers and laborers brought from African in the 1500s.

Despite six centuries of disconnection from their roots, they have maintained their cultural identity, including a musical tradition of singing in a Portuguese creole. The music which sounds distinctly African is played on simple homemade instruments. Each song mounts in a crescendo which culminates in some of the singers leaping to their feet and dancing.

Jesse Hardman and his news team recorded one of the concerts by the group which calls itself the Kaffirs. He produced a CD called "Kaffir Manja," and shipped most of them to Sri Lanka where they are now available at concerts.

However he did leave some at MPR to give away. So I have 17 copies of the disc available. The first 17 commenters on this post who indicate they want a copy, will get one free of charge.

Comment away!

Comments (14)

The story was very thought provoking and I loved the music. I'd love a free CD if still available. I'm a member so my address should be in your database if you need it. Thanks. Happy New Year!

Posted by Sue Melrose | December 31, 2009 12:42 PM

great story, I would like to get a cd!

Posted by Craig Rhode | December 31, 2009 12:49 PM

Very cool. I would love a CD! Thanks!

Posted by Shane | December 31, 2009 1:07 PM

Oh, I would love a copy! Thank you!

Posted by Karen | December 31, 2009 1:52 PM

I would like a copy if there are still any available! Thank you!

Posted by Brent Berheim | December 31, 2009 2:07 PM

I'll take a CD. :)

Posted by Danny | December 31, 2009 2:16 PM

I'd love a copy

Posted by Laurence Cutler | January 4, 2010 11:58 AM

I am very excited to get a CD. I found myself on the side of the road ( I had to pull over becuase I was so intersted in the story of the writer's friend who met the musicians for the first time and how thier encounter left him speechless) I have been looking around on the internet for his story and more information, being able to have a CD and experience the Kaffiers musical culture would be amazing!

Posted by NIcole Packard | January 4, 2010 12:37 PM

thank you for the offer. if there are CD's left i would like one. if not would you tell me where i might purchase one? thank you.

Posted by mary | January 4, 2010 10:03 PM

I'd be fascinated to hear this and perhaps share it with my grand nephew who is a musician. Would love the CD if still available.

Thanks!

Posted by Mae Sylvester | January 5, 2010 2:09 PM

I'd love a copy of the cd....thank you for the offer!

Posted by Lois Berman | January 23, 2010 12:55 PM

How interesting! I'd enjoy the CD if any remain.

Posted by Valerie Hoiness | March 11, 2010 1:19 PM

I see that there are only 12 comments, so I'm hoping that there is a CD or two left. Six centuries of keeping a tradition - mind boggling! Thank you for the glimpse into a rare culture.

Posted by Chris | March 18, 2010 9:45 PM

Please send latest free CD offer to:
Marianne Baumgarten
4336 Buckingham Ct.
Vadnais Hts. MN.55127

Thank you!

Posted by Marianne Baumgarten | September 16, 2010 1:06 PM