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The Jaliya tradition

 

A kora is one of the instruments used within jali families in West Africa - Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal and the Gambia. Jali are also referred to as ‘griot’ but this is a French word and the term ‘jali’ is generally preferred.

 

The Jali families of West Africa are the hereditary caste of musicians, praise-singers, genealogists and historians.  The kora, the balafon and the ngoni are among the instruments played.   

 

In Mali the kora player is generally accompanied by a singer whereas in other parts of West Africa the kora player accompanies himself.  

In the Jaliya tradition it is men that play the kora. Outside of this tradition, both men and women play this beautiful instrument.

 

Children in Jali families grow up with the history, the stories and the songs, and begin to learn an instrument at a young age.

 

Wikipedia is a useful source of information, and links, although unfortunately currently it is only held under the subject title of griot, not Jali.  

 

The Cora Connection is another good source. It is David Gilden’s site, an American kora player.

 

 

More information: