The kora is one of the world's great solo instruments. In sound and appearance, it is also one of the most beautiful. No other African instrument has had the same impact on the global music scene. To the European eye and ear, the kora is a cross between a harp and a lute.
Many different drums are used in this part of Africa, a full explanation of them and the part they play in everyday lofe are essential to fully understanding the culture.
This multi-talented artist, with a fantastic musical family pedigree, represents the emergence of a new generation of African musicians. Seckou Keita has an unique style and consequently he is one of the very few kora (African harp) players able to get people out of their chairs and up on their feet dancing!
Quotes
"Seckou had a lovely engaging manner with the children. He introduced the instruments well and the children learned about the wonderful music. Thanks again." Carterhatch Juniors, Hadley Wood, Enfield
"A magical and beautiful performance." Diocesan & Payne Smith Primary School, Canterbury
The kora is reputed to originate from the area now known as Guinea-Bissau, and is played all over Western Africa, most commonly in Gambia, but also in Senegal and southern Mali.
Artistic area The kora is one of the world's great solo instruments. In sound and appearance, it is also one of the most beautiful. No other African instrument has had the same impact on the global music scene. To the European eye and ear, the kora is a cross between a harp and a lute.
History of workshop
Traditionally, the kora has 21-25 strings fixed to a long wooden neck. These are plucked by the thumb and forefinger of each hand, with the remaining fingers gripping two vertical hand posts. The strings are often made from local materials such as fishing line, which provides a clear tone and can be bought from the local market. The body of the kora is the sound box, a large half-calabash, over which skin is stretched.
The kora is played as a solo instrument, accompanying a singer and as part of an orchestra. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious instruments of the Manding people and was formerly played to entertain kings. Its instrument type dates back to ancient Egypt. Its first representation, resembling its modern form, dates back to 1352 from the court of Mali.
West African slaves recreated a similar instrument - the ngoni - in the New World, where it later became known as the banjo. Comparisons are often drawn now between music made from the kora and modern jazz.
Content
Song, rhythms and music are interwoven in this magical visit to Senegal and the world of the kora in West Africa. Not only does the performance introduce the music and songs of Senegal, but the artist will talk about daily life in the country. Find out what daily activities children engage in and how they feel about school, chores and homework!
This session draws on the similarities, as well as the differences, between life in the UK and West Africa.
This is a beautiful introduction to a very traditional African art form by an extremely informative and inspiring artist.
Ages/abilities
Year 1 and above
Numbers
Three performances per day - three classes in each session (depending on age of participants)
Time needed
60 minutes for each session
Space needed
School hall or cleared classroom
Equipment/facilities to be provided by the school
Chair for the artist and a safe place to store the instruments through breaks and lunchtime.
School/class preparation for artist's visit
Look at maps and start to think about the lives of the population of the region
think of questions to ask the artist about daily life in West Africa
The kora is reputed to originate from the area now known as Guinea-Bissau, and is played all over Western Africa, most commonly in Gambia, but also in Senegal and southern Mali.
Artistic area
The kora is one of the world's great solo instruments. In sound and appearance, it is also one of the most beautiful. No other African instrument has had the same impact on the global music scene. To the European eye and ear, the kora is a cross between a harp and a lute.
Many different drums are used in this part of Africa, a full explanation of them and the part they play in everyday lofe are essential to fully understanding the culture.
History of workshop
Traditionally, the kora has 21-25 strings fixed to a long wooden neck. These are plucked by the thumb and forefinger of each hand, with the remaining fingers gripping two vertical hand posts. The strings are often made from local materials such as fishing line, which provides a clear tone and can be bought from the local market. The body of the kora is the sound box, a large half-calabash, over which skin is stretched.
The kora is played as a solo instrument, accompanying a singer and as part of an orchestra. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious instruments of the Manding people and was formerly played to entertain kings. Its instrument type dates back to ancient Egypt. Its first representation, resembling its modern form, dates back to 1352 from the court of Mali.
West African slaves recreated a similar instrument - the ngoni - in the New World, where it later became known as the banjo. Comparisons are often drawn now between music made from the kora and modern jazz.
Content
An interactive presentation of the Kora and drums of West Africa. All the different drums used are introduced, their materials and the part they play in West African culture. This is followed by the Kora, some singing and finally groups of 15 at a time can join in with the drumming whilst others participate by clapping the rhythms or the use of percussion provided by the school.
Ages/abilities
Year 1 and above
Numbers
Three performances per day - three classes in each session (depending on age of participants)
Time needed
1 hour and 15 minutes for each session
Space needed
School hall or cleared classroom
Equipment/facilities to be provided by the school
Chair for the artist and a safe place to store the instruments through breaks and lunchtime
School/class preparation for artist's visit
Look at maps and start to think about the lives of the population of the region
think of questions to ask the artist about daily life in West Africa
