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…
Music of a Different Griot Home
Tag: kora
Strings of Change: Sona Jobarteh Brings Griot Legacy to Brooklyn
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…
Piers Faccini and Ballaké Sissoko Reveal ‘Borne on the Wind’ Single
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…
Kora to the Core
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…
Australia’s The Mandé Spirit Celebrate Malian musician Toumani Diabate
(headline image: The Mandé Spirit — Photo by Kurt Eckardt) On December 6th, an ensemble of musicians from the West African diaspora gathered in an…
The Kora: West Africa’s Cherished 21-Stringed Harp-Lute
(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,…
Kairo: Momi Maiga’s Bridge-Building Kora Fusion
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 Goes Acoustic on Mesmerizing Album ‘Afou’
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’s Dynamic Afro-Roots Ensemble Album
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…
Brilliant Kora Maestro Toumani Diabaté Dies at 58
(Headline image: Toumani Diabaté – Photo by Aboubaker Sidick) Malian kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté passed away on 19 July 2024 of kidney disease. He was…