The Gambia

When Alex Hailey, the American author of Roots, traced his origins to Juffure a village some 25km from Banjul the capital, the place quickly became a major tourist attraction. Almost surrounded by Senegal, the republic of Gambia is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries. History has it that Europeans first contact with this region was in 1456 when Portuguese navigators landed on a small island 30km upriver from the sea. In 1820 the territory was declared a British protectorate. The country became independent in 1965. At this time its official name became The Gambia. It is one of the birthplaces of the instrument of myth par excellence the Kora. By far the most popular traditional instrument of the Jalis or griots is the Kora, which is a cross between a harp and a lute with 21 to 25 strings. The Gambia is the home of many famous Kora players.

Brikama

Brikama is one of the largest cities in The Gambia; it is located south of Banjul the capital. It is known for wood carving and for its musicians. Brikama is also home to numerous educational institutions including the Gambia College, which trains the nation’s teachers. This western region of The Gambia is noted for its musical traditions and is the home of many famous kora players.

Mandinka Jali

Tha Jalis are a caste of musicians found among all the Manding peoples (of whom the Mandinka are one branch). The Jalis play a crucial rule in Manding society, Jalis are not just musicians, they are also historians, genealogists, praise singers, public speakers, advisors, and go-betweens. They are much valued by their own society as providing a vital link with a once glorious past of the Manding peoples. The Jalis, and the musical tradition date back 700 years to the days of the great Manding Empire which they ruled a large part of West Africa from 13th-15th centuries. In pro-clonial era the Jalis sang for the kings who were their patrons and whom they had close relationships.

Kora

The kora is a classical instrument of the West African griots. It is certainly one of its most distinctive and most sophisticated instrument that is firmly rooted in the Manding tradition, and is possibly some 300 years old. It is said to have originated in the area that is now Guinea-Bissau, it is most common to The Gambia and Senegal; most kora players from other countries (such as Mali, Guinea and Ivory Coast) either came from the Gambia originally or were taught there. The kora music is often accompanied by singing and percussion. The music is soothing, almost hypnotic, and is said to have very real curative properties. The kora body is made from a calabash gourd cut in half and partially covered with cow’s skin.

Kaira

“Kaira” meaning; “Peace” in Mandinka and the song of the great classics of the kora repertoire’s of Mali that was created by Sidiki Diabate in the 1940’s and helped to establish the kora. The tune “We pray in this song for all human beings to have peace, and we thank our friends and patrons”.

Learn about our Resource Center in Brikama

Amadou Jobarteh
The Young Performer