Adama Tounkara is Jelimady Tounkara’s nephew, the ‘guitar hero’ of Malian music, respected conductor of Mali’s Super Rail Band. Adama is one of those many young artists who have specialized in the study of the ngoni, a small, four-stringed traditional lute dating back to the 12th century (like the bala), and which was once played at the court of Sundiata Keita, founder of the Manding Empire.
The ngoni is believed to be the ancestor of the banjo and is part of the colorful sound of traditional and modern Malian music. A difficult instrument, but one which Adama Tounkara perfectly masters. Adama Tounkara is a member of Ballake Sissoko’s ensemble.
Adama played ngoni in Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Red Earth (2007) album. The recording is subtitled “A Malian Journey.” He also participated in Keme Borama (Kanga System Krush, 2013)
Discography:
In Griot Time: String Music From Mali (Stern’s Africa, 2000)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
