(headline image: Toumani and Sidiki Diabate – Photo by Youri Lenquette) The kora, a 21-stringed instrument, holds a significant place in West African musical traditions,…
The Kora: West Africa’s Cherished 21-Stringed Harp-Lute
Category: Articles
The Life and Legacy of Legendary Bluesman Elmore James
It’s now more than 60 years since the groundbreaking slide guitarist Elmore James died from a heart attack at the tragically early age of 45.…
The Pipa: An Enduring Pear-Shaped Chinese Lute
(headline image: Landtom professional chicken wing wood Chinese pipa) The pipa, a traditional Chinese lute with a history dating back to the Han dynasty (206…
Cape Verde’s New Wave of Women Vocalists: Stepping Out of Cesária Évora’s Shadow
Cape Verde has long been celebrated for its musical heritage in which its women vocalists have played a pivotal role down the centuries. The archipelago’s…
The Shekere: A Fundamental Traditional African Percussion Instrument
(headline image: Latin Percussion shekere, LP486) The shekere is a percussion instrument made from a dried gourd, covered with a net woven with beads, stones,…
The Bouzouki: An Alluring Long-Necked Lute with Roots in Greece
(headline image: Greek bouzouki – CC BY 2.5, Link) The bouzouki is a musical instrument deeply rooted in Greek tradition, renowned for its distinctive sound…
Munnharpe, the Ancient Norwegian Jaw Harp
(headline image: Sigurd Brokke’s muunnharpes – Photo by Lena Knutli) The munnharpe, a Norwegian jaw harp, is a metal instrument believed to have originated in…
Morin Huur, the Traditional Horse-head Fiddle of Mongolia
(headline image: morin huur player. Photo courtesy of Mongolian National Centre for Intangible Heritage.) The morin huur, often referred to as the horse-head fiddle, is…
Baglama: The Popular Long Necked Turkish Lute
(headline image: Baglama Cedar Face SDS-408) The baglama (bağlama), a fretted lute belonging to the saz family, is a prominent instrument in Turkish folk music.…
Festival Med 24 – Third Day, Tabanka Djaz and the Splendor of Lusofonia
The African Diaspora found the walkway for its musical expressions in Portugal. The MED Festival in Loulé served as a platform to expose the ethnic…