Music & Performing Arts

Marie Samuel Njie

Griot singer and cultural figure

A Gambian legacy

Marie Samuel Njie was a Gambian griot singer associated with the social and musical life of Bathurst. Accompanied by instruments including xalam, calabash and sabar, she sang about everyday and public affairs. Her musical family included the singer Pap Touray and narrator Abdoulie Efri Mbye.

THEIR MARK ON HISTORY

01The NCAC archive includes a 1973 recording of Yadake with Abdoulie Samba.

02Her performances combined praise singing with songs about social life.

Griot traditionsWomen pioneersOral heritage

SOURCES & FURTHER READING01Biographical overview 02Stanford catalogue: NCAC musical archives

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