Gambian Griot Kora Duets

Kora is similar to a harp, with strings stretched over a half of a gourd. Throughout the centuries, the kora has been the hallmark of complex polyrhythmic West African music. The album Gambian Griot Kora Duets documents the evolution of the kora's use in traditional Gambian music. It was recorded with the participation of Alhaji Bai Konte, his son Dembo Konte, and another musician, Ma Lamini Jobate. The kora players are inseparably linked to the tradition of Jali, represented by the families of griots in West Africa. Griots are the keepers of local culture, similar to ashugs or troubadours. At the same time, this album marked the beginning of international interest in the kora. After recording the album, Dembo Konte went on a world tour, performed on the legendary John Peel show on BBC in 1989, and collaborated with the influential group Mustaphas 3.

Translation powered by chatGPT