Toro (Djembe & Dunun Demo)

Ethnic: Malinké
Region: Northeast Guinea
This is a rhythm traditionally played for initiation. After the boys were circumcised they would go to a camp outside the village with a Séma, an adult who was responsible for the boys during this time and who would initiate them. In the old days, this generally took place in a bush area known as Fafa. A long time ago, the practice was that these young boys would stay for three months in the camp. They stayed there so they could be taken care of during the healing process after their circumcision. This would also be the period where the Séma initiated the boys into the necessary rules and regulations for becoming an adult. The boys would also learn about plants, animals and various basic skills such as hunting, fishing and building houses. On a certain day, after dinner, the children would sing and play the Wassamba (an instrument that is made from pieces of calabash) to give thanks to the mentors who were initiating them. The rhythm Toro comes from this instrument and this tradition.