Retro. From my book “Living Proof”. Here on the West African shore where slaves were sold and shipped to Bahia, Brazil. On board those slave ships were griots like Jali with his kora ( left). Griots are the verbal scribes of Africa. Using kora and drum and voice to tell all that is known from where man began. Africa. For generations they’ve passed on history, reported the news, sung love songs, and been spiritual centers for their tribe. Held highly in society. The call and response beat, rhythm and message led to gospel, blues, jazz, reggae, rock n roll and modern rappers like the singer on the right. This night the two friends jammed on this beach in Senegal very near The Gambia River, the highway of slavery for the Spanish and Portuguese. A dark part of human history. Yet at this sunset jam were nothing but good vibes,a joy, a peace, a wholeness of spirit that deep felt music brings. I really believe that it’s art that saves us from our dark side. Or at least tries. These two even rapped a verse or two as a friendly message to me and to my lifetime Egyptian friend @laura_eltantawy who was shooting with me at the time. There are just some moments that cannot be described except by the word “magic”. This was such a time. #Senegal#gambiariver #griot #kora #rapper