Robert Harms’ in “The Rise and Expansion of Islam” and “The West African Sahel” delve into the fascinating journey of Islam’s expansion in Africa, a journey that began in the 8th century. The influence of Islam in Africa predates the emergence of powerful empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, and these empires are considered the pinnacles of Islam’s influence in medieval West Africa. The remarkable life of Sunjata Keita, the prince who established West Africa’s greatest empire nearly 800 years ago, has been meticulously preserved through oral tradition, with his story being passed down through the art of song, spoken recitation, and musical accompaniment on traditional Mande griot instruments. The captivating performance below illustrates the rich tradition of storytelling as griots traversed cities, towns, and villages, recounting the enthralling histories of kings and local leaders.
Please share your thoughts on what you found interesting, challenging, and informative in the readings. It’s important to remember that while the readings focus on Islam’s introduction to Africa, Africans played a significant role in evolving and shaping the religion throughout history.
The Sunjata Story – Glimpse of a Mande EpicLinks to an external site.
Reminder: Your response should be at least 4 paragraphs. You must respond to two students in at least a paragraph (4-8 sentences minimum).
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