Bela Fleck - Throw Down Your Heart (2008) - Full Movie

[@badilejo]

“I don’t think I’m going to be able to blend in.” 😂😂 Indeed, he doesn’t… but he DOES.

[@ajadeleye4970]

I'm not even sure how I'd react if i saw Bela Fleck just sitting at the airport pluckin around 😮

[@flapjackson6077]

This is historically important. Absolute beauty.

[@russellsolomon6138]

I saw this amazing documentary at Bonnaroo 2008. Afterwards Bela Fleck did a Q&A sesh. Yes, he ended up signing my $90 Wal-Mart Banjo! At the time of this writing, I'm posting from Cotonou, Benin, Africa.

[@gracestokes3288]

Music is the most beautiful language. This is so moving.

[@ElectricCelt56]

Love the Afro sound- the poly rhythms, the imperfect pitches, the call- response. Lovely sentiments about village life and music.

[@jdavies1296]

Pure music. I just love this movie.

[@nonombre7159]

It's amazing how close the pieces he did in Gambia and Mali were to high lonesome bluegrass. The melodies and style of singing is almost identical to traditional bluegrass. Outside of some minor stylistic differences, IT'S THE SAME MUSIC!! Across an ocean and two completely different groups of people but the music is the same. Blows my mind.

[@SuperDaveOkie]

Despite being a total beginner on the banjo and almost entirely ignorant of the musicology of Africa, I found myself moved to tears by the universal experience of watching great human beings make music together. Absolutely wonderful documentary!

[@mapimapi1971]

The same feelings. Good said.

[@TaalPanchamSawari]

Well said Sir! One of the best documentaries i have ever watched. moved to tears several times.

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

I agree. I cannot watch this without crying.

[@marcdunn7716]

It was incredible hey

[@marcdunn7716]

Absolutely brilliant..I've been playing for 15 years and can't believe I've never seen this. Great to watch and listen, and a fantastic history lesson too.

[@laurapatriciabernaljardon5406]

Maravilloso film visual, musical, historia , soy fan de Bela Fleck , gracias Tommaso por compartir esto tan hermoso, abrazos desde Tulum, Q, Roo, Mexico.

[@christinaleung7531]

HOW CAN I SPONSOR A BANJO TO AN AFRICAN in need ?? I just bought my first banjo and I am here for it! Thanks Bela and all for bringing us this musical postcard from Africa.

[@gregarnold8954]

The rhythmic complexity of so much African music, the centuries old musical traditions and lyrical stories, the easy embrace of it all and the delighted smiles and Joy passed around at every musical gathering; This is the universal spirit of Africa, and of all music. The humble beauty of listening to each other, of speaking the common language of Music - of harmony and peace, is something the human race can always learn so much from. If you haven’t been to Africa - go if you can. If you’ve never played an instrument … it’s never too late to start. Both of these things will change your life forever … for the better.

[@samisntreal3278]

I can’t put my finger on exactly what makes this so powerful. The raw beauty of shared connection through music that spans all humanity is cathartic.

[@user-ve4lp3yj1b]

It's a beautiful movie....thank you Bela Fleck......thank you wonderful Ugandan, Tanzanian, and Malian musicians....I will share this with others.

[@okolekahuna3862]

That kamal ngoni instrument is beautiful.

[@augustzelenak9565]

This film was beautiful! Thank you Africa and all of your people! And thank you Béla for bringing banjo back to its roots!

[@jcole3614]

mind blown. Bela never ceases to amaze me, and Ruth Akello brought tears. this is so badly needed everywhere right now. even just to watch it.

[@jenniferhill315]

Watched at your suggestion, and will watch again. What a gentle and vibrant spirit to all of this. A peacefulness that I haven't felt in a very long time.

[@ColonelForkEyes]

Revisited this for the first time in many years after recommending it to a friend in random conversation tonight; damn, it still slaps hard. Gets me on an emotional level, tears of joy, blah

[@flapjackson6077]

I just discovered it for the first time. I know the feeling, my brother. It’s beauty.

[@vleiratfilms2020]

I have loved and played banjo since learning from a Pete Seeger LP and book course 60 years ago. I have followed Bela Fleck since hearing him on radio in the 60s I think. Rediscovered him on KZbin a few years ago. So grateful to this amazing musical man. Seeing him here in Africa on this movie and how he blends with the musics is extraordinary. Thank you for allowing us to see and hear this. What a privilege 🎥🎶🪕❤️

[@bartoandreskibinski2253]

Dear Béla, thank you for this movie. Watched it immediately after listening to your conversation with Victor Wooten about his book, The Spirit of Music. Itˋs very rare here in Europe, to meet people who are able to make music like that. One day, I wish to find them

[@sunnieemerson6814]

Such happy people! And so community/group oriented-which I love. Nobody works alone.

[@sunnieemerson6814]

The words of his song make me cry spontaneously too for my gone father, 'though I believe he's watching. over. Our tears is our missing them.

[@garybrockwell2031]

Where it was BORN, from a turtle & a stick... The best sound to play is the banjo man ...... Love you boy's, and learnt this FACT👍💪💯🙏🗣️🎬😍🇬🇧🙏👁️☠️👁️🆘🇬🇧 How many ways you can make a sound & a SMILE✌️

[@danielbishop5752]

Truly a universal language.

[@michaelfreemanmusic9149]

A beautiful, inspiring documentary. One of my all time favourites ♥

[@wildbillchristiansen993]

I'm an African Dancer and musician. Brought here in a very mystical way. I've picked cotton for an African UMDUNDUM SAMBCREEKIAL SENEGAL WEST AFRICA. I PLAY BUT TALKING DRUM IS MY GIG. I'VE HAD VERY STONEY VISIONS IN THE CASAMANCE. I REALL ENJOY YOUR MOVIE THANKS. SAKOR MY BROTHER IN DAKAR. WE'VE PLAYED AND DANCED ON GOREE My mouth waters seeing the beautiful food.

[@anniemamaof2as]

This is beautiful! I never realized that the banjo orginated in Africa. Thank you for this documentary.

[@Alex-ne1fe]

the song at 15:20 is genuinely the most heart touching thing I have possibly ever heard

[@DanFrechette]

This movie I discovered through a friend tonight. It is life changing. This is what music is all about.

[@donhurst1409]

Just amazing! This must be Dan from Wpg. Mandolin guy Don from Joe's.

[@DanFrechette]

@@donhurst1409 Yes!

[@donhurst1409]

@@DanFrechette We met at one of Joe Warbanski's jams. i had the '27 gibson mando. Heard u were down in the US. Hope you are doing well and making' it!

[@boxman48patrickcasey32]

I just discovered this movie through an old friend in Seattle...glad to see that you enjoyed it as well. This is an amazing piece of work!!! I agree...this is what music is all about.

[@JTuaim]

Community through music is so inspiring. We need this in America. We could play, sing, dance, and feast together. Share our differences instead sniffing the clouds at each other.

[@Kaotiqua]

Bela's so down to earth- so humble. He never tries to overshadow the music of the different people, but as he said, to find his place in it. Amazing player, and amazing person. Beautiful from beginning to end.

[@sunnieemerson6814]

and a very gentle soul

[@rjmoney9]

he has the best combo: very high talent, very driven worth ethic, and a humble personality

[@nmd3132]

he's lovely and sensitive as a musician in other peoples' cultures, but he's rude and condescending as hell to his wife. it's heartbreaking to witness.

[@Kaotiqua]

@@nmd3132 When and how was he rude or condescending to her? What makes you say that? You can't just drop that kind of a trollbomb in comments and expect it to be believed without any evidence. I've never seen them be anything but happy and comfortable together. They're a lovely, funny, and incredibly talented couple.

[@nmd3132]

@@Kaotiqua watch them play together. you'll hear his remarks.

[@CrossBonesAlex]

I love the group improvisation on this massive marimbaphone - healing social interaction

[@nedisahonkey]

The thumb piano has to have one of the most beautiful tones I have ever heard. I simply must have one.

[@gilthethrill9179]

One of the hosts says music is in everything they do in life..... I work at a metal fabrication shop in the U.S. and the diff machines running create rythms and beats....helps get me thru the long days.

[@Ninbarra]

I lived in The Gambia and it was their tradition to offer everyone food and to host any traveler for a night. Beautiful!

[@gabitamiravideos]

Beautiful! I recall a legend that mambo music was inspired by the rhythms of a kitchen, and drops falling in a bucket. Your story resonates.

[@garyhighley9022]

one of the best things on the tube.

[@stepitupandgo67]

I can't believe that this isn't one of the greatest selling movies of all time...it's just required viewing if you're a human being, epecially if you're a musician....or even a 'musician'

[@uduboy]

One of the absolute greatest recordings to have been created - EVER!!!! Thank you Bela for your humility, for honoring the instrument, it's origin and the beautiful people who first created it - and of course.... for creating and sharing the music. I listen deeply to this body of music often. Incredibly inspiring.

[@6bonjour]

Why doesn't this have a million views. Amazing!

[@richardlara298]

The message of truth is not what a majority white hegemony wants to have become known... They want to write the history showing how superior and benevolent the anglo saxon is to any other non-anglo people. Never mind the truth, which is why the push against any race theory enlightenment is embraced. Truth: majority of white people are sick and tired of the racism behind the greatness of trump's america. Bela fleck added another straw to the back of the trumpian american camel, not to mention the Creator who is not partisan.

[@kennethhacker1341]

That's what I'm saying!!! Gezzzzz ..we need this in America again..

[@nedisahonkey]

This has got to be the most amazing documentary I've ever seen on the universality of music across all people and cultures. Love of music is something shared by almost all humans and I think the more we recognize that the vast majority of us have far more in common than not, the easier we will find it to empathize with each other and live as neighbors. We're going to have to realize sooner than later that we are a single species sharing a single planet. Any instincts towards tribalism that are innate in humans might have been advantageous when we were hunter-gatherers, but they merely hinder us in our modern world.

[@sunnieemerson6814]

Amen!

[@ruthieworldtravels208]

Isn't it though?

[@kindredrivers4008]

Literally the BEST thing I have EVER seen. Even the credits were perfection xD

[@kikulefredrick5650]

This is what music is all about, we the musicians we should be there for others to be productive and proactive in collaborating with fellow musicians. I come from uganda and am a musoga by tribe. Am an African percussionist and multiple instruments player. Bela thank you for the opportunities and the great work you are doing.

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

I come from Uganda too 👊🏿🖤

[@steelyman08]

What a fantastic movie! Why had I never heard of this when I like his music so much? It only came up on my feed today. Just saw Bela & friends last week. Had no idea he'd worked on anything like this. A universal language. At least we have the one that all can relate to. That thumb piano section is sheer magic. Thank you for the wonderful upload ♥

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

I live in Uganda, I'm a Musician, an anorak of sorts, and even I didn't know till today that Bela Fleck was in Uganda! Incredible.

[@mario7frankielee]

thank you tommaso🙏🙏🙏

[@smilingvulture]

music from home made basic instruments is stunning , timing perfect

[@oddjobs3025]

Thanks Bela...AND for surrounding yourself with the worlds best musicians.

[@glenbelson5485]

Music brings us all together, silence drives us apart.

[@ruthieworldtravels208]

OMG . . . I cannot believe this is online for FREE!

[@CMMCM]

such a beautiful documentary and album. To me, is not the bringing different people together, but finding that the commonalities are greater than the differences.

[@sunnieemerson6814]

I"m so glad you did this, Bela. I have watched it over and over in the past 10 yrs since you brought it to the sarasota film festival with a smile thru most from ear to ear! I"m in heaven while watching and would like to jump thru the screen and live with these musical people..especially in Jinja! I'd have to be the 2nd women to break the tradition of only men playing the thumb piano and marimba though!

[@kreedbuttcheek7650]

A couple of years ago I had a small taste of this felling my uncle is Ethiopian and I've been playing banjo for four years now and he brought out a masenqo and a harp of some sort and we played together for a couple of hours it really was a experience

[@Santurys]

Fantastic documenyary. Word Music Bela & African songs is wonderfull 🙏🏽

[@petersteemers2047]

This brings me back to the 60's when I was a young lad. My Dad was stationed in various parts of Africa and brought back music and song on vinyl records. I still have them have them so now I must seek them out. Fabulous trip Bela, and fabulous documentary, I loved every minute of it, well done, 12 years later!

[@rolfbrunner3016]

Very good,very nice,good musik,and Bela wants to come in slowly,not dominating.I love this documentary

[@johnhrichak3451]

The Super Rail Band! Yes indeed!

[@marqy007]

Such beautiful, gentle, happy, friendly, musical people. Music is the centre of their lives. This vid is so ironic in that, here's an very talented white westerner visiting the ancestors of civilized humanity and Bela showing them what their invention that has evolved into 500 years later. This brought tears...we're ALL inherently musical. A most excellent and educational video! Thankyou Mr. Bela Fleck...and crew and the beautiful people of Africa.

[@brendanivey7814]

This movie has awesome handshakes

[@TroyKC]

I'm white, but one of my ancestors was a black slave woman from Angola ... taken by the Dutch to "New Netherland" (New York) her daughter was half Dutch and half African and was free and owned a business ... I am her descendant. I know, ancient history, but it's there.

[@rhtythmregurgitator]

A wonderful film featuring some some of my musical heroes whom I have seen live at Womad festivals, Bassecou Kouyate , Amy Sac, Oumou Sangare, and most of all the ever smiling Djelimady Tounkara. And the legendary Zawose family.

[@gilesgrey6673]

I didn't want this to end

[@benandamy2]

Loved this...amazing music on fascinating instruments! Made me smile, made me cry. Beautiful.

[@okolekahuna3862]

South African music is so intricate rhythmically. Beautiful

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

Seems like they found his playing more amusing than anything else.

[@nancyschneider5039]

I sat transfixed .... literally , could not remove myself from this. ....must have stirred my roots also. What a fantastic experience Bella .... expect you will take it with you to the grave. Thank you for taking me with you on your journey..... from a banjo ( music ) enthusiast

[@henryemrich7209]

Merely by existing, this makes the world better. There needs to be more stuff like this!

[@stephenhanson3309]

fantastic documentary, astounding playing

[@RaysTrack]

An hour and a half of sheer joy and wonder. Astounding on so many levels. Thank you for posting.

[@rjmoney9]

Bela has many talents on the banjo, but I think his best skill is his ability to communicate. From Chick Corea to Dave Matthews to these awesome african artists... he knows how to fit in and contribute beautiful music in seemingly any context 31:53 "We are together" sums it up perfectly.

[@kathrynswords2400]

"the worried songbird" at 1:24:44 made me cry. her voice. that song.

[@littlecarol2018]

The name of that song is "Djorolen" and you can hear it on youtube as a standalone song by Bela Fleck and Oumou Sangare (it is the same singer, and the same song version as in this video movie documentary). I also love this song very much. She has the best voice I ever heard that speaks to my heart.

[@stefgav]

Sitting here at that point flooding tears and reading this

[@DrewElGringasho]

That's Oumou Sangare and she is WORLD famous. A superstar. Maybe not as big as beyonce or someone like that but she is a superstar. Definitely everyone in west africa knows her. Check her other albums out!

[@joniwink_i]

@@DrewElGringasho yess! I saw her live once - what a Queen!

[@ellane8441]

Amazing Journey! So Proud, Honored and Respectful !! Thank You Bela Fleck..!

[@robertberrios4742]

This is such a great film. Experiencing how music unites us all regardless of geographical boundaries is very inspiring. Bela is so genuine regardless of where or whom he is around. The talent shown by all these people from the four African countries is eye-opening. I love all variety of music! Music seems to permeate in every minute of the lives of the people in Africa.

[@chappahx]

So beautifully done and with much respect! Salut!

[@davidbarbour2368]

Thank you, Bela.

[@jerryoutlaw3396]

BRAVO!!!! Wonderfulness in the human experience.

[@wesleyofficer1237]

I watched the entire thing in one sitting, I seriously laughed all the time! I cried like crazy! I understood the emotions.. I love the journey! I love the story! THANK YOU to all of the people in their small towns, villages, and large cities, who shared their homes, their music, and their experience! and two Bela Fleck and all the producers so much for bringing this out in public for us to enjoy!

[@miguelm9961]

isnt this one of the best docs EVER?!

[@icaro9605]

@@miguelm9961 for mi this is one of the best movies i ever seen

[@miguelm9961]

@@icaro9605 agreed. thank goodness for people who appreciate culture nobody I know has seen this... yet

[@CrossBonesAlex]

Great song at 1:16

[@justwatching55]

Just picked up the banjo, taking lessons and looking for inspirational players. Found one!

[@anniemamaof2as]

This is absolutely amazing and heart-felt. I have been brought to tears...in a good way. Thank you to all who made this possible. I'm amazed! And happy. 😊

[@yunggaucho3534]

Playing the blues in Mali 🇲🇱

[@davidjohnson-waller1376]

I loved this doc the first time I saw it . In 93 I also joined through the south to find the father of the banjo which I was a player at the time . Finding it in Zimbabwean blind busker and his son on the streets of harere and being told it was from the border lands with Mozambique from the Chopi tribe. The high tracey ethnomusic museum in Grahams town South Africa is where was barrel recording of the Chopi a war devastates tribe......

[@DaveMulo666]

The way he masters the art of banjo like no other, his musical freedom and limitless creativity, the ability to travel between every genre, make him for sure one of the greatest musician alive.

[@Liberia_nutube2005]

I love you Africa , you have given us so much that we may never be able repay you 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@betsychina8973]

That was the best investment of my time in a long while. That's the way I like to learn about a continent, I now realize. Once country at a time, hand in hand with Bela Fleck. Through music. With heart. I may see if I can get this into local schools, shown one country at a time, over the lunch hour.

[@dbadagna]

When Fleck brought a bunch of the artists from this film on a U.S. tour after the film was released, they played near me at Oberlin College in Ohio, and a few of my friends who attended said that, hands down, it was the best concert they had ever attended in their lives.

[@sunnieemerson6814]

YOu got it! I feel the same way!!!

[@yunggaucho3534]

@53 minutes they look very happy that the two instruments actually compliment each other!

[@Ricardo1ful]

No words. Just wonderful.

[@TheSilentFool]

I didn't realize the only 2 clips I've seen from this movie happen in the first 20 minutes.

[@mickeymuggeridge2441]

wall to wall bangers

[@ronnex2100]

So happy to see people who have a real interest in exploring the roots of music equipment from Africa. The documentary was an eye opener as I was able to learn more about the akonting and the ngoni. They actually resemble the modern day banjo only with less sophistication. Well, the traditional one was "traditional" hence less sophisticated. I am from Kenya and here we have the wandidi. I can't see a huge distinction. Fleck should come to Kenya and witness this one too.

[@dozensides]

Beautiful theater

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

Just landed on the documentary after watching Rick Beato's video and someone in the comments section recommending it; he actually starts right here in Uganda. I had no idea he was here! I first knew about him when I was watching Victor Wooten live videos in the early 2000's! Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@stevesedberry]

at 18:20 I pause to process what I have already seen. A profound film!

[@angelbernardojaureguiarria5882]

I've been searching that song and I don't find that:(

[@user-wc4ox9up2n]

Amazing journey!

[@allabouttheilluminati8289]

5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

[@sagetom8897]

Thank you for this amazing a rich documentation of the cross pollination of so many masters, The beautiful images and soulful sounds match in their excellence.

[@notadonna5983]

I happened to listrn to radio yesterday, which I haven't done in a long while, and there was this interview with Bela. I somehow remembered his name and here I am 3 hours later, in bliss and awe. Thank you to all who contributed. My spirit is renewed.

[@bobjary9382]

Anyone who enjoyed this should please also check Indus Blues

[@georgekiapos1]

Amazing documentary! So beautiful, heartfelt and truly Genuine!

[@sheercerebralpower]

Beautiful documentary

[@bubbles_mc_rainbow]

Thank you!!!!

[@Tapa504]

Thank you.

[@jamesdillon9845]

Incredible! Thank you!

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

This is the key to the rediscovery of Africa by the West. Keep the faith.