(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
Tag: kora
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…
Arnito and Adama Koeta Deliver Skillful Guitar and Kora Dialog
Prolific French guitarist Arnito duets with kora player Adama Koeta on “After Work,” a deftly played piece of music that bridges African, flamenco, Roma, and…
Toumani Diabaté and Ballaké Sissoko’s “New Ancient Strings” to Be Released on Vinyl
Toumani Diabaté and Ballaké Sissoko‘s New Ancient Strings will be released on vinyl for the first time to commemorate the album’s 25th anniversary. Originally launched…
Kora Player Ablaye Cissoko and Accordion Player Cyrille Brotto to Perform at Nimoy Stage, January 20
Renowned Senegalese kora virtuoso, Ablaye Cissoko, and accomplished French accordionist-composer, Cyrille Brotto, are set to captivate audiences at UCLA’s Nimoy Stage on January 20, 2024.…
Maher Cissoko’s “Kora World”: A Melodic Ode to Ancestry and Social Justice
Maher Cissoko – Kora World (ajabu!, 2023) Maher Cissoko’s Kora World (ajabu!, 2023) stands as a remarkable musical tribute to ancestry and social justice. Furthermore,…
Persian and Malian Traditions Converge in Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabaté’s ‘The Sky Is the Same Colour Everywhere
Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabaté – The Sky Is The Same Colour Everywhere (Real World Records, 2023) Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabaté, renowned musicians, have…