Hi guys,
It's been a while since we spoke. Apologies, I have been very busy!
Recently I have been doing Kora school workshops in Brighton from Adaptatrap.
Have a look at my website for details. www.koraking.com
Thanks again!
Jali
Friday, 29 October 2010
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Gambian culture: Greetings
Hi all,
For those of you that have never been, the Gambia is a beautiful place with wonderful people. It is not only interesting but also essential to understand the culture. Over the next couple of weeks I'll post a few tit bits of info on what you may think about when you visit to make sure that you are respectful and gain the most from your time there.
Greetings:
Always avoid immediately getting down to the subject matter and spend at least 15 seconds (30 seconds for people in authority) saying hello and how is the family? Anything less is perceived as disrespectful or that you are looking down on them. If you do not follow the above advice your life will be made very difficult. Remember that handshaking with your right-hand is a compulsory form of greeting except where you are visiting somebody who has recently been bereaved in which case it is the cultural norm that you do not shake hands with them. However, when you are travelling out of the country or going up-river for more than a day it is customary to shake hands using your left-hand. If someone is busy working or with their hands & are tied -up they may offer you their arm instead and you would hold it as if it were their hand. Though it sound obvious, never greet anyone who is praying as they will not answer back.
So there you go. I'll post some more useful advice for traveling next week.
All the best.
For those of you that have never been, the Gambia is a beautiful place with wonderful people. It is not only interesting but also essential to understand the culture. Over the next couple of weeks I'll post a few tit bits of info on what you may think about when you visit to make sure that you are respectful and gain the most from your time there.
Greetings:
Always avoid immediately getting down to the subject matter and spend at least 15 seconds (30 seconds for people in authority) saying hello and how is the family? Anything less is perceived as disrespectful or that you are looking down on them. If you do not follow the above advice your life will be made very difficult. Remember that handshaking with your right-hand is a compulsory form of greeting except where you are visiting somebody who has recently been bereaved in which case it is the cultural norm that you do not shake hands with them. However, when you are travelling out of the country or going up-river for more than a day it is customary to shake hands using your left-hand. If someone is busy working or with their hands & are tied -up they may offer you their arm instead and you would hold it as if it were their hand. Though it sound obvious, never greet anyone who is praying as they will not answer back.
So there you go. I'll post some more useful advice for traveling next week.
All the best.
Friday, 7 May 2010
What is a kora made from?
Hi there,
If you have ever wondered what a kora is actually made from then read on...
The biggest part of the kora is the calabash soundbox. A calabash is a fruit and can vary in size from a plum to a large watermelon. For the kora, the calabash is cut in half, the insides are cut out and the shell is dried. There’s a hole cut into the calabash which lets the sound out.
The skin is made from a cow-hide, dried and stretched over the edges of the calabash shell and then nailed in place. The nails are also used for decorations.
The strings are held in place by a wooden bridge. The strings themselves are now generally made of nylon, often fishing twine. he strings on the kora are laid out so that a continuous scale is produced by alternating from strings on one side of the bridge to the other, which allows for rapid ascending and descending passages within the music. It is one of the only instruments in the world to have two parallel sets of strings either side of the bridge.
The long neck of the kora is made out of a hard wood, often mahogany. Up the neck are the tuning cords, made of leather, which hold the strings in place at one end. These leather cords are used to tune each string. Moving the cords up the neck tightens the string and makes the pitch of the string higher.
Kind of makes me wonder what a kalabash might taste like...that's one huge fruit!
If you are considering buying a kora - why not have a look at the Kora King's hand crafted koras
Until next time, cheers!!
If you have ever wondered what a kora is actually made from then read on...
The biggest part of the kora is the calabash soundbox. A calabash is a fruit and can vary in size from a plum to a large watermelon. For the kora, the calabash is cut in half, the insides are cut out and the shell is dried. There’s a hole cut into the calabash which lets the sound out.
The skin is made from a cow-hide, dried and stretched over the edges of the calabash shell and then nailed in place. The nails are also used for decorations.
The strings are held in place by a wooden bridge. The strings themselves are now generally made of nylon, often fishing twine. he strings on the kora are laid out so that a continuous scale is produced by alternating from strings on one side of the bridge to the other, which allows for rapid ascending and descending passages within the music. It is one of the only instruments in the world to have two parallel sets of strings either side of the bridge.
The long neck of the kora is made out of a hard wood, often mahogany. Up the neck are the tuning cords, made of leather, which hold the strings in place at one end. These leather cords are used to tune each string. Moving the cords up the neck tightens the string and makes the pitch of the string higher.
Kind of makes me wonder what a kalabash might taste like...that's one huge fruit!
If you are considering buying a kora - why not have a look at the Kora King's hand crafted koras
Until next time, cheers!!
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
World music festivals this summer
Hi there,
I was having a look at what's available this year in terms of big live world music events to check out and thought that you might find this interesting/useful.
http://www.africaoye.com/
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 2010
Sefton Park, Liverpool
12:30pm-9:30pm on both days
Admission: Free
http://www.bradfordmela.org.uk/
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2010, when Bradford Mela returns to Peel Park
http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/
http://www.leedsmela.org/
August 6th Rhay park
Bath music festival
http://www.bathmusicfest.org.uk/
26 May–06 Jun 2010
Rhythms of the world – festival of world music
http://www.rotw.org.uk/page/open/title/about
http://knockengorroch.org.uk/
KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH 27TH - 30TH MAY 2010
KNOCKENGORROCH FARM
CASTLE DOUGLAS, CARSPHAIRN
SCOTLAND DG7 3TJ
General Enquiries:info@knockengorroch.org.uk
Wychwood Music Festival '10
last updated : Thu 22nd Apr 10
Date: Friday 4th - Sunday 6th June 10
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
http://www.salisburyfestival.co.uk/event-list.aspx
Salisbury Festival
87 Crane St
Salisbury
Wiltshire
UK SP1 2PU (multimap link)
So, a few interesting ones there I think. If anyone has any other great festivals they know about then please do chip in and let us know about them.
Cheers!
I was having a look at what's available this year in terms of big live world music events to check out and thought that you might find this interesting/useful.
http://www.africaoye.com/
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 2010
Sefton Park, Liverpool
12:30pm-9:30pm on both days
Admission: Free
http://www.bradfordmela.org.uk/
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2010, when Bradford Mela returns to Peel Park
http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/
http://www.leedsmela.org/
August 6th Rhay park
Bath music festival
http://www.bathmusicfest.org.uk/
26 May–06 Jun 2010
Rhythms of the world – festival of world music
http://www.rotw.org.uk/page/open/title/about
http://knockengorroch.org.uk/
KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH 27TH - 30TH MAY 2010
KNOCKENGORROCH FARM
CASTLE DOUGLAS, CARSPHAIRN
SCOTLAND DG7 3TJ
General Enquiries:info@knockengorroch.org.uk
Wychwood Music Festival '10
last updated : Thu 22nd Apr 10
Date: Friday 4th - Sunday 6th June 10
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
http://www.salisburyfestival.co.uk/event-list.aspx
Salisbury Festival
87 Crane St
Salisbury
Wiltshire
UK SP1 2PU (multimap link)
So, a few interesting ones there I think. If anyone has any other great festivals they know about then please do chip in and let us know about them.
Cheers!
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Brighton here we come!
Hello all!
A quick note to say that Jali was in London yesterday meeting with a load of people who will be performing in Brighton with him on the 21st August. This particular performance will be just the Kora King and his kora. We are also looking at some prospective dates for Jali's band Nematolye to try out their new tracks.
Brighton promises to be an important event in the UK world music calendar. Watch this blog for more information on this event in the next few days.
Take care
A quick note to say that Jali was in London yesterday meeting with a load of people who will be performing in Brighton with him on the 21st August. This particular performance will be just the Kora King and his kora. We are also looking at some prospective dates for Jali's band Nematolye to try out their new tracks.
Brighton promises to be an important event in the UK world music calendar. Watch this blog for more information on this event in the next few days.
Take care
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
What is a Jali?
Hi All,
Just thought I'd write a quick note to explain what a Jali is. Most of you will look at this blog and assume that Jali is just the name of the talented musician that it revolves around. Well that is true in so much as Burama Mbye goes by the name of Jali. I guess it's like a nick name only it has a lot more significance. In the strictest sense a Jali is a Griot. And a Jali is something akin to a musical Jedi in West African culture. You don't just become a Jali, the title is bestowed upon you at a point where your musical excellence is recognised by your hereditary peirs.
So to end any potential confusion Jali is a Jali. That is to say that Burama Mbye is a Jali who goes by the name of Jali. So if you see him out in Leeds and want to buy him a drink then "hey Jali" will do just fine!
Wiki definition
A griot is a West African poet, praise singer, and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition. As such, they are sometimes also called bards. Although they are popularly known as 'praise singers', griots may also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.
Griots today live in many parts of West Africa, including Mali, the Gambia, Guinea, Western Sahara and Senegal, and are present among the Mande peoples (Mandinka, Malinké, Bambara, etc.), Fulɓe (Fula), Hausa, Songhai, Tukulóor, Wolof, Serer, Mossi, Dagomba, Mauritanian Arabs and many other smaller groups.
In African languages, griots are referred to by a number of names: jeli in northern Mande areas, jali in southern Mande areas, guewel in Wolof, gawlo in Pulaar (Fula), and igiiw (or igawen) in Hassaniyya Arabic. Griots form an endogamous caste, meaning that most of them only marry fellow griots and that those who are not griots do not normally perform the same functions that they perform.
All the best!!
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Workshops
Hello there,
Just a quick note to mention that Jali will be rolling out kora workshops in Leeds later on in the summer. At the moment he is concentrating on private tuition (currently available for £45 per hour) but would like to extend the learning out into groups of like minded individuals.
Workshops are an excellent way to meet people with similar interests and share ideas. They are also a great way of getting a feel for the music and learning some classic kora melodies. See site for more information and price details - koraking.com and go to workshops.
As well as kora workshops based in Leeds Jali is also tours UK schools teaching not only West African instruments including Djembe's and kora's but also informing about West African culture.
If you are interested in finding out more then please don't hesitate to get in touch jali@koraking.com.
All the best!
Just a quick note to mention that Jali will be rolling out kora workshops in Leeds later on in the summer. At the moment he is concentrating on private tuition (currently available for £45 per hour) but would like to extend the learning out into groups of like minded individuals.
Workshops are an excellent way to meet people with similar interests and share ideas. They are also a great way of getting a feel for the music and learning some classic kora melodies. See site for more information and price details - koraking.com and go to workshops.
As well as kora workshops based in Leeds Jali is also tours UK schools teaching not only West African instruments including Djembe's and kora's but also informing about West African culture.
If you are interested in finding out more then please don't hesitate to get in touch jali@koraking.com.
All the best!
Publish Post
Friday, 23 April 2010
Hand crafted koras
Hello all,
For those of you interested in purchasing a kora please have a look at these fine examples that have been hand crafted by Jali himself.
These beautiful instruments take many weeks to complete and are built using materials imported from
These are traditional 21 string koras with electronic pick up for easy amplification (excluding extra-small versions). Guitar heads are added for easy tuning. If you are interested in the design element you can choose from different decorations or specify tailor-made decoration.
Jali is always looking to improve design and build, indeed he is currently experimenting with tatoo artists to add an extra element of design work to these authentic instruments.
Whilst Jali is based in Leeds in the UK he does export his instruments world wide. Prices range from £200 for small up to around £400 for large. To see more information about the other instruments Jali produces and more on the kora then please visit koraking.com
These beautiful instruments take many weeks to complete and are built using materials imported from
These are traditional 21 string koras with electronic pick up for easy amplification (excluding extra-small versions). Guitar heads are added for easy tuning. If you are interested in the design element you can choose from different decorations or specify tailor-made decoration.
Jali is always looking to improve design and build, indeed he is currently experimenting with tatoo artists to add an extra element of design work to these authentic instruments.
Whilst Jali is based in Leeds in the UK he does export his instruments world wide. Prices range from £200 for small up to around £400 for large. To see more information about the other instruments Jali produces and more on the kora then please visit koraking.com
Speak soon!
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Nematolye - the band
Hello there,
I thought I'd spend a little bit of time introducing you to Jali's band, Nematolye. This Leeds based group consists of four other very talented musicians, Luke (drums), Mike (lead guitar), Andrew (bass guitar) and Demba (keyboard).
In the last few months these guys have been practicing and refining some fantastic tunes in anticipation of their recording session in mid May. They have spent countless hours at Jali's home and in Lukes basement forging a unique and compelling sound. Those hours have definately paid off and the result is original and enthralling.
How would you describe their sound? Well I'll leave that to Luke who penned a few words about the band for the website.
"Nematolye, which means “peace and harmony” in the Mandinka language spoken in Gambia, is the brainchild of master kora player Jali Burama Mbye. This Leeds based band plays both traditional and original compositions, with each member contributing different textures and flavours to a unique melting pot. Driving rhythms and a deep groove underpin infectious melodies and solos in the African tradition. At the forefront is the exquisitely delicate sound of the kora, an instrument traditionally played by master musicians to an audience of kings. Jali’s haunting kora spins an elaborate web around the group’s compelling rhythms."
Well put Luke! It's hard to describe what they have here but it is something that is mesmerising and infectious. As always the best way to appreciate their stuff is to simply listen and the opportunity to do just that will soon be here...
Follow this blog for updates on Nematolye's first album and forthcoming gigs and events.
See you soon :)
I thought I'd spend a little bit of time introducing you to Jali's band, Nematolye. This Leeds based group consists of four other very talented musicians, Luke (drums), Mike (lead guitar), Andrew (bass guitar) and Demba (keyboard).
In the last few months these guys have been practicing and refining some fantastic tunes in anticipation of their recording session in mid May. They have spent countless hours at Jali's home and in Lukes basement forging a unique and compelling sound. Those hours have definately paid off and the result is original and enthralling.
How would you describe their sound? Well I'll leave that to Luke who penned a few words about the band for the website.
"Nematolye, which means “peace and harmony” in the Mandinka language spoken in Gambia, is the brainchild of master kora player Jali Burama Mbye. This Leeds based band plays both traditional and original compositions, with each member contributing different textures and flavours to a unique melting pot. Driving rhythms and a deep groove underpin infectious melodies and solos in the African tradition. At the forefront is the exquisitely delicate sound of the kora, an instrument traditionally played by master musicians to an audience of kings. Jali’s haunting kora spins an elaborate web around the group’s compelling rhythms."
Well put Luke! It's hard to describe what they have here but it is something that is mesmerising and infectious. As always the best way to appreciate their stuff is to simply listen and the opportunity to do just that will soon be here...
Follow this blog for updates on Nematolye's first album and forthcoming gigs and events.
See you soon :)
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Jali records first album
Hello all and welcome to Jali Mbye's blog.
A couple of weeks ago Jali recorded his first album and EP at Ghost town recording studio in Leeds. If you haven't already be sure to check out the website on recordings and you can hear the full work. What you will find is eight beautiful kora instrumentals on the album and 4 mesmerising vocal performances on the EP.
Ross, the auditory wizard responsible for Ghost Town was blown away when Jali sat down and recorded the first album in one take. It's understandable that some may consider this highly unusual, improbable even, but maybe not when you consider that Jali comes from a long line of hereditary griots and has made the kora the centre of his life since he started learning the instrument at the age of 7. Indeed since picking up this instrument Jali's passion and purposeful development of his skills have seen him travel all around the world playing festivals and private bookings.
If you go to koraking.com and look in the galleries you can also see some pictures that I took to document this posthumous moment.
Thanks for dropping by to check out this new blog - please feel free to follow us for more news and events around subjects such as...
Nematolye recording session
Djembe workshops
Kora workshops
Gambian adventures
Exchange programmes
and loads more besides.
See you soon
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