Latest from the blog

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  Echoes of the Sun: Coping with the changing seasons

  This song was inspired by the changing of the seasons, from Autumn into Winter. It's a tough time of year for me, but playing Kora is the perfect antidote.

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  My kora journey, part one: Jarabi

  Jarabi is a love song of the Mandinka people. It was the first song I learnt on the kora. Here's how I started out learning to play this beautiful instrument.

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  It's a Mad World! My Kora cover goes viral on Facebook

  My Kora arrangement of Mad World, based on Gary Jules's recording for the Donnie Darko theme tune, causes quite a stir on Facebook.

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  Mafu Conteh, kora virtuoso from The Gambia

  Mafu is a Jali musician from Brikama, Gambia. I spent a week living with him, learning to play kora and filming some of his unique arrangements.

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  Watcha plays Jola akonting and kamale ngoni

  Watcha plays the akonting and kamale ngoni, and sings in Jola and French. I filmed an intimate concert outside his home in Kafountine, Senegal.

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  Alia balafon & the Abéné Festival, Senegal

  Alia is a djembe and balafon master from Guinea Conakry. We met at the Abéné festival in Senegal and recorded some solo balafon performances.