Cheryl L. Keyes, a renowned professor of ethnomusicology and global jazz studies, has recently been awarded the prestigious silver medal in the Global Music Awards for her captivating "Sundiata Keita Overture." The overture, which received its world premiere in Royce Hall on June 5, was part of a multimedia event titled "Prelude to Juneteenth," celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora.

Unlocking the Timeless Narrative of a West African Trailblazer

Discovering the Epic of Sundiata Keita

Cheryl Keyes' journey with the story of Sundiata Keita began during her doctoral studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University-Bloomington. As a scholar deeply passionate about the music of the African diaspora, particularly that of West Africa, Keyes encountered the epic tale of Sundiata Keita while immersing herself in the study of Bambara, the lingua franca of the region. The story of Sundiata, the founder of the mighty Mali Empire in the 13th century, captivated Keyes, igniting her desire to explore the rich oral traditions that had preserved his legacy.

Tracing the Griot Tradition Across the Atlantic

Keyes' research led her to the West African tradition of the "griot" or "jeli," the bards who celebrated Sundiata's story through the oral tradition, even to this day. Intrigued by the role of women in this tradition, Keyes' visits to Mali as part of her doctoral training opened her eyes to the poetic nuances and the power of language that had traveled across the Atlantic with the African diaspora. She recognized the echoes of this tradition in various forms, from the traditional sermon to the blues and the contemporary genres of rap and hip-hop.

Composing the Sundiata Overture: A Heroic Melody

Inspired by the epic tale of Sundiata, Keyes began composing the "Sundiata Keita Overture" during her graduate school days. The melody, which had been brewing in her mind for years, was influenced by the African musical tradition and the improvisational style of the legendary jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste. Keyes also drew inspiration from the film music of composers like John Williams and Bernard Herrmann, crafting a heroic theme that could serve as a template for a potential film score of Sundiata's epic.

Capturing the Essence of Sundiata's Journey

The Sundiata Overture is a multi-layered composition that reflects the various stages of the hero's journey. The first theme, dubbed the "gait," captures Sundiata's physical challenges at birth and his eventual triumphant stride, with the clarinets, trombones, tuba, and bassoon creating a melo-rhythmic groove. The second theme, "in a pensive state," reflects Sundiata's period of exile, where he strategizes to reclaim his rightful place in Mali. The third theme, the "victory dance," celebrates Sundiata's triumph over his nemesis, Sumamuru, and his return to power, marked by the introduction of the balafon, an instrument associated with Sumamuru.

Honoring the Cultural Roots of the African Diaspora

Keyes' Sundiata Overture not only showcases her exceptional compositional skills but also serves as a powerful testament to the deep cultural roots of the African diaspora. By bringing the epic tale of Sundiata Keita to life through her music, Keyes hopes to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage that has shaped the experiences of African Americans and the broader African diaspora. The overture's recent silver medal win at the Global Music Awards is a testament to the universal appeal and significance of Keyes' artistic vision.