The Balanta of Guinea-Bissau

Since my discovery of my maternal Balanta genetic heritage, there has been an explosion of information online about all things Balanta and Guinea-Bissau. With the increased amount of genetic testing being done by African Americans, many groups and cultural exchanges have taken place through the Internet.  Here are a few of my favorite videos  and online resources about the Balanta and Guinea-Bissau.

Typical Banlanta trube music called Broksa. According to my source, there is an annual festival of this dance organized in the village of Nhacra just outside of the capital Bissau.

 

 

There is also a new documentary about Amilcar Cabral (1924 - 1973) the father of Guinea-Bissau Independence movement.  For more detailed information about the film and the Cabralista movement which seeks to honor Amilcar Cabral visit the website http://www.cabralista.com.

 

BBC Radio 3 World Routes Guinea-Bissau Part 1 

BBC Radio 3 World Routes Guinea-Bissau Part 2

 Groups: (note that some groups you must have a facebook account to join or view)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATOGB/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Balanta-Tribe/156610237683310

Sibley Zydeco Festival at Ben's Corner Plantation, MS

For the third consecutive year, the Sibley Zydeco Festival has been held at Ben's Corner Plantation, MS. The Ben's Corner Plantation is the homestead of the Washington Family of Adams County, MS. Purchased originally by Scott Washington, his son Will purchased the land after his father's death. Will and Alice Washington raised their ten children on the farm. Today the farm is the site of the bi-annual Washington-Rounds Family Reunions and the Sibley Zydeco Festival.

Sibley Zydeco Fest 2011 at Ben's Corner Plantation, Mississippi this past weekend!