Inteligencia Orgánica (IO) is a Spain-based cross-cultural ensemble that brings together leading figures from diverse musical traditions: Karen Lugo (dance), Momi Maiga (kora), Aleix Tobías…
Born in Senegal but based in Poland, kora player Ablaye Badji harnesses longstanding griot tradition to a funk/jazz backdrop on “Aduna,” a sparking piece of…
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, renowned Gambian kora virtuoso and activist Sona Jobarteh will take the stage at Brooklyn Bowl, weaving together West African griot…
Two decades after their initial collaboration, singer-songwriter Piers Faccini and Malian kora maestro Ballaké Sissoko are set to release a new album, Our Calling, on…
American kora players aren’t exactly commonplace, so the work of Kane Mathis is not only noteworthy for his individuality, but for his expertise. He leads…
(headline image: The Mandé Spirit — Photo by Kurt Eckardt) On December 6th, an ensemble of musicians from the West African diaspora gathered in an…
(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,…
Momi Maiga – Kairo (Segell Microscopi, 2024) Kairo, Momi Maiga’s second album, weaves together threads from his native Senegalese heritage with a mix of jazz,…
Sefo Kanuteh – Afou (self-released, 2021) Afou is the second kora and balafon album Sefo Kanuteh player released in 2021. Afou, recorded with UK-based musicians,…
Sefo Kanuteh – Adouna (self-released, 2021) Sefo Kanuteh, a talented kora and balafon player from The Gambia, released two new albums in 2021, funded by…