History of the rhythm Konia / Konya / Konia(n)ka / Konia(n)ke :
There was once a Malinke migration to the Beyla area. Malinke moved towards the Beyla area, at the border of Guinea and Ivory Coast, mixed with the local people and formed the Koniaka, who
now speak a Malinke-dialect. The Koniaka are originally Malinke and are still considered part of the Malinke family name. Konia is actually the name of this population group, but the
Malinke also use this name for a very popular rhythm that is played by the Koniaka. In the Beyla area there might be other specific names for this rhythm, but the Malinke use the name
Konia(ka/ke). Konia is played at many important occasions, like baptisms and weddings and at common parties. The Kuku is another example of a Koniaka rhythm that originally comes from
Malinke. [1] See also Audio (13 Ponda O'Bryan - Konia - Cultural background)
Ethnic group: Konia
Region: Beyla, border Guinea-Ivory Coast, West Africa
Purpose: played at many occasions, common parties, baptisms, weddings...
Traditional / ballet / recently created: traditional?