MUSIC INSTRUMENT OF THE DAY : Kora

Instrument: Kora ( African Harp of the Griots)

Place of origin: West Africa 

Developed: 16th Century 

Classification: composite Chordophone / west African 21 stringed instrument.

Related instruments: harp, gravi-kora, seperewa, ngoni, bolon

Country: Sénégal, Mali, Guinea, Gambia

The kora is a 21-string lute-bridge-harp used extensively in West Africa. 

Description: A kora is a Mandinka harp built from a small calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator with a long hardwood neck. The skin is supported by two handles that run under it. It has 21 strings, each playing a different note. It supports a notched double free-standing bridge. It doesn't fit into any one category of musical instruments, but rather several, and must be classified as a "double-bridge-harp-lute". The strings run in two divided ranks, making it a double harp. They do not end in a soundboard but are held in notches on a bridge, making it a bridge harp. They originate from a string arm or neck and cross a bridge directly supported by a resonating chamber, making it a lute too.

Famous Kora players: Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko, Sona Jobarteh, Foday Musa Suso, Seckou Keita, Toubab Krewe, Jacques Burtin, Alhaji Bai Konte and sons Dembo and Sherrifo