Celebrating the Kora

The indigenous Gambian 21 string harp known as the kora, which is embraced in many parts of the world is the key musical instrument that is identical to the to The Gambia and its cultural heritage. Kora which originated from Sanementereng in the West Coast region of the Gambia is becoming a product reaching its climax of its life cycle and it has come to the attention of Mr. Oko Drammeh, an African music impresario who was behind many concerts and the African Music Festival in Holland and Hollywood since the 80s promoting African cultural music; is craving to revive, restore and preserve the traditional values of Kora for future generation.

It is said that, of all the instruments that has helped define traditional African music, none may be more iconic than the signature musical instrument of West Africa, Kora. This year in the recorded history of Gambian music, starting from April 25, Kora musicians from different cultures and countries of all the continents will pay homage to the unique 21 string harp in Brikama at the first International Kora Festival for a two week musical and cultural events organized by Mr. Oko Drammeh. The ministry of Tourism and Culture and the National Centre for Arts Culture has also chipped in to support the initiave and urged all stakeholders to partner with this laudable initiative in anyway possible, for it has tremendous potentials to generate revenue, create employment for young people and serve as a fertile ground for the preservation, promotion and development of the Kora traditions of The Gambia. Kora griots, traditional troubadours and historians known as the Jalis of The Gambia will be the focal point of the festival and the role of Kora elders as the staff-bearers of the legacy of the Kora instrument and the empires behind the instrument. According to Oko Drammeh the festival director, The festival will cover a two week program including a conference,film night, lectures, seminar, traditional music performances, symposium, workshop, festival stage and art market place to be held in different locations: The University of The Gambia, The Gambia College, Sun Swing Hotel hall, Museum of The Gambia, Arch 22, Brikama Stadium and the Alliance Franco Gambienne all geared towards turning Brikama into world's Kora capital and thus reviving the indigenous Gambian 21 string harp and the pride and dignity of Kora griots in boosting their sense of ownership of the instrument's heritage.

Speaking to journalists last week at the Alliance Franco Gambienne, Mr. Drammeh, said due to the national assembly elections in the country and the elections in Senegal, and the upheavals in Mali and Guinea Bissa, the festival was rescheduled to better suite those coming from those part of the world. Drameh who place much importance on the promotion of African culture added few brush strokes to the painting “due to the declining nature and fading away of kora players, especially the children of kora griots who are now engaged in finance, trade and other jobs because of the lack of financial benefits and respect for being a kora player I decided to come up with the Kora festival” he said. He further appealed to the general public to dress Gambian for two weeks during the festival to make it a memorable and milestone event in the history of the Gambia.

The international reknown kora player/teacher based in France, Jali Saiku Sawo on behalf of the kora griots told journalists that they are very much elated and grateful to Oko Drammeh for the wonderful idea of innaugrating the re-birth of the Kora instrument. Jali Saiku Sawo, further explained that the kora is from Sanementereng, The Gambia and recalled from history by saying that “even the first kora festival held in Mali in 1988 was won by a Gambian living in Mali ” In light of that fact and the nature of the present kora industry, they will do ehat ever it takes to make the festival a memorable and exciting one.

The NCAC which also took pride in associating with the first International Kora Festival and welcomed the idea to sell The Gambia to the world.The director of literature, performing and fine arts, NCAC Sheihk Omar Jallow further eched his statement “the kora is an indigenous instrument that is worthy to be promoted” and Martin Didier, the Director of Alliance Franco Gambienne expressed his delight over the festival “I am behind supporting culture and in the near future, i will be proud to associate myself with the kora” he said.