Balla Tounkara & Balla Kouyate

Malifoly

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A wonderfully rich and fluid instrumental compilation of African music played in traditional fashion on the kora and balaphone.....plus one interpretation of an American holiday classic.

tracks

: 1 Mamaya (1958)
: 2 Bani
: 3 Sounjata
: 4 Kongoba
: 5 Flengolobani
: 6 Kaira
: 7 Nina
: 8 Jingle Bells
: 9 Malaika
: 10 Nafa

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USA: Mass. - Boston

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notes

Balla Tounkara was born 34 years ago in the griot tradition of Mali, West Africa, the center of the ancient Manding Empire. Historically, the griot's role in the Malian royal court was to praise the military prowess and honor the king and his warriors, and maintain the history of its society both orally and through music. Balla, who's ancestors were chiefs of the griots, began to play the kora (the original 21-stringed harp of Africa) as a child, and honed his skills through years of strict discipline and commitment. Known as the "instrument of kings", the kora served for many centuries not only as the official instrument of the emperors of Mali, but also as a vehicle for spiritual guidance, relaxation, and relief of worry. The kora was played to bring out the best in both player and listener. It is this vision of the kora that Balla exemplifies in his music.

Under the tutelage of his internationally known grandfathers Batrou Sekou Kouyate and Samakou Tounkara, Balla learned to respect the significance and profundity of this royal music, becoming a master kora player in his own right. In this body of work Balla teams up with longtime friend, artist, and griot Balla Kouyate, he himself a master musician of the balaphone, also a traditional Manding instrument. The music created is effortlessly fantastic as the two friends and griots continue along the journey of their ancestors.

reviews

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author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby
A kora-lovers album, accompanied by the warm brilliance of balaphone. Selected as the "instrument of kings," the kora has served for many centuries not only as the official instrument of the emperors of Mali, but also as a vehicle for spiritual guidance, relaxation, and relief of worry. Born into the griot tradition of Mali, West Africa, the center of the ancient Manding Empire, Tounkara began studying the kora at a young age. With "Malifoly," he presents an exceptionally bright and joyful album that delivers all the blessings promised by the legends.