When world-renowned banjoist Bela Fleck realized that his instrument had lost its musical heritage, he decided to make a pilgrimage to Africa to rediscover the banjo's folk music roots. The results of this trip were released by way of his 2009 critically acclaimed Throw Down Your Heart album and film. The Ripple Effect is a set of previously unreleased recordings from this same musical adventure, and comprises Fleck's collaborative sessions with virtuoso kora player, Toumani Diabate.