Sounds of the Kora: Music and History of a West African Harp

Hearing new sounds, ideas and information allows us to grow and be inspired to seek the unknown. Sean Gaskell will give two performances and demonstrations on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. He will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire.

Sean Gaskell first heard the kora performed live in his hometown of Olympia, Washington in 2006. That performance by Kane Mathis, who would become his first teacher, inspired him to immerse himself in the music of the kora and travel to its homeland in West Africa. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots, often called Jalis or Jelis. Many songs tell a story of war, hardship, love and loss all while presenting the history and fabric of Mande society, of which the instrument originates. Visits to Brikama, Gambia, West Africa provided Gaskell the opportunity to study the kora under the instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and his father, the late Malamini Jobarteh.

Gaskell has presented adult, youth and family programs at over 350 libraries and a multitude of K-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada. He is currently based in Asheville, North Carolina.

website: www.seangaskell.com