Expand your listening experience with West African music

The kora is a West African harp-like instrument with a calabash (a large gourd) body covered in cowhide, a wooden neck, and 21 strings made from durable materials like fishing lines, nylon or silk. Its unique design divides the strings into bass and melody. When played alone the music is often soothing, perhaps meditative. When kora musicians are accompanied by other instruments the music can be upbeat and even dance-able.

We have several albums you can check out that feature the kora. These albums include a classic rock vibe, a tropical vacation groove, Bluesy and peaceful. There's a kora sound for almost everyone. Check out these tunes to add variety to your usual musical selections.

Hear the kora live

Sun, July 12, 2026, you can hear the kora played live at the library by Sean Gaskell 3pm in Marvin Auditorium. He studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal.

The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800 year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. Gaskell has presented adult, youth and family programs at more than 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada.