African fife and drum music was historically at the center of black musical and social culture in the North East Mississippi hill country and other Southern communities dating back to the birth of the nation. But with the passing of time and traditions, master fife player Otha Turner, in his mid 90’s, now heads the last African fife and drum band in America. Turner is teaching the music to his grandchildren in the hopes that future generations will perserve one of the oldest known forms of African American folk music.
The Leading Edge 