Musician Rhiannon Giddens on the History of the Banjo (and a musical demonstration!)

[@WoodswomanWrites]

Rhiannon and Allison, thank you for your stories keeping the songs and traditional banjo styles alive, for telling the truth about where the music came from and tying it all to the present day, for sharing uplifting music that black slaves and their descendants created despite their own tragic circumstances. For your musical talents, your wisdom, your courage, your integrity, your joy, and being incredible human beings, I am so thankful that you are both in this world.

[@acceptedmystery]

so beautiful you guys! thanks for sharing this important story

[@Michael-rh7ie]

I love the fact that Rhiannon can simply accept that this beautiful music is from a melting pot of cultures... the journey had its rough points but the destination ! That's Sensational !

[@ashludd2970]

Is there somewhere i can watch this whole chat?

[@bobjames5264]

Great demonstration. I wish she would’ve discussed her particular banjo more, as it’s different from most in that it seems to be fretless. But I suppose I can go elsewhere for information of that depth. 😊

[@clawhammer704]

I think the Africans got the banjo idea from the Arabs.

[@77Creation]

You think that, sure.

[@shlomofreeman]

It definitely did not. It was created by enslaved black folks. Now, thats not to say that the Arabs don't have an instrument that resembles the banjo, but the banjo was an instrument born out of necessity and innovation of enslaved blacks.

[@illijah]

More than likely the other way around

[@JOSEPHC777]

Yes it did Arabs, then India, elaborated on it, nothing to do with slavery with black people, more likely was passed on to Africa, why? Because Arabs were selling black people to black people first, then black people were selling black people to black people, all this happened before whitey was on the scene,, white people did buy later on, white people actually gave a better life to black people, from there own rotten people, and gave them hope in the west, and it did,, it came from Arabic people,, Now here's more education for ya snowflake brainwashed entitled brain So who were the first ever to be enslaved in the New America?? Before any black people,? Clue,, they were brought in ships with iron collars and chains,, Yes that's right THE IRISH,, FACTS.. GET IT RIGHT