The Donso (Hunters) are an integral part of Mande/Bamana society. They supply wild game, protect the village, and are sought after soothsaying, physical and spiritual healing. Often knowledgeable in the healing power of plants and spellcraft, the Donso are revered and occasionally feared. They were the military power of the Great Mande King Sunjata Keita, himself a powerful hunter. Inspite of all the modernization that has occurred in West Africa, the Donso still stand as a reminder of the traditions of ancient Africa.

The Donso are the keepers of the ancient alchemical sciences. They combine plants, the elements, animal sacrifice and word sound power to manifest reality. Sibiri Samaké comes from this long lineage of hunter/medicine men.

This album is a representation of the kind of music one would hear when the Donsoton (Hunters Society) meet and praise the different members of their organization.