Once-substantial Jewish communities across Morocco, Algeria, and other parts of North Africa have steadily diminished since World War II, largely due to migration to Israel. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, lesser-known Jewish communities tell a strikingly different story.
Guided by ethnomusicologist and Rabbi Jeffrey A. Summit of Tufts University, this program explores the history and music of the Abayudaya, a small yet resilient community of Jewish converts in Uganda. Summit’s recordings capture the Abayudaya performing choral works, adapted folkloric songs accompanied by local drums and harps, including the enchanting adungu, as well as forays into contemporary pop music. Together, these sounds bring their remarkable story vividly to life.
The program also introduces the history and music of a younger community of practicing Jews in Ghana. Produced by Banning Eyre.
