Night of Kora

Presenting a numinous night with the Kora!

The Kora is traditionally played from Jali families who are historians, genealogists and storytellers who pass their skills on to their descendants. Though played in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso, the instrument was first discovered in the Gambia.

Presenting 3 Kora players

Appiah Annan originally from Ghana: musician, singer, traditional and contemporary dancer and choreographer has gained inspiration from the sound of the Kora featuring its music in his contemporary dance compositions. So devoted to the sound he dedicated himself to teachers from Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Burkina Faso and now in Melbourne he plays this extraordinary instrument. Appiah will perform with Ago on the Djembe and Gome Drum and Ay Nii bringing the Kpanlogo drum to the night.

2 of the great Jali(y) family Jali Buba and Amadou Jaly Suso virtuoso performances.

Jali Buba came to our shores performing at the Adelaide Womad Festival spell binding us with his Kora and continues to amaze and inspire drawing on the tradition of MBalax. Forming the Band Afro Diyas Jali Buba’s dexterous plucking and strumming of the harps strings blends with his melody. Jali Buba’s Melody rises in his voice in a unique vocal style calling generations to sing the polyphony with him and you can hear it! A legacy that continues to transform from the ages of ages to the now.

Amadou Jaly Suso is from the Gambia bringing new compositions arresting us with his genius for unique contemporary afro/Jazz compositions. Accomplished solo musician, singer and composer leading outstanding bands such as The Senegalese Jazz band (recipient for the Age Best World Music Award). Amadou continues to arrest us with his genius awakening our solar plexus and divines the Kora to the next level.

"Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons” (extract from the Senegalese Anthem) "Pinch All your Koras, Hit the Balafons