Cross-genre and cross-cultural banjo icon Béla Fleck journeyed through several African nations last year in an effort to learn more about the music and people from whence the banjo originated. He visited Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia and Mali and met and performed with many African musicians along the way.

An album is planned for the future based on the music recorded on this trip, and a documentary film will debut next month about this musical adventure as well. It is entitled, Throw Down Your Heart, and was shot by filmmaker Sascha Paladino (Béla’s brother), who also produced and directed the film short that was included with The Flecktones’ CD/DVD, The Hidden Land.

The new film will premier at the 2008 South By Southwest Film Festival on March 9 in Austin, TX, and a short clip has been posted on YouTube.

News is expected soon about the African journey CD’s release, and about whether Throw Down Your Heart will be picked up for theatrical release, or perhaps on DVD.