Kora - the harp of West Africa

The kora is an ancient, 21-stringed harp played by the Mandinka people of west Africa. 

I discovered the kora while studying at Ohio State, and took lessons with a professor there.  In 2015 and 2018 I traveled to West Africa, spending five months immersed in the musical culture of Gambia and Mali.  I trained with kora masters - learning the songs, history and lore that give the kora its voice.

I now fuse traditional kora technique with my own sensibilities - composing songs in new time signatures and altered tunings. My studies in West Africa deeply shaped my approach to music, inspiring me to blend deep traditions with contemporary exploration!