Kora Kunda is a school and home of kora griot music in The Gambia. We welcome people from all over the world to learn about the kora, Mandinka music and what it means to be a griot.Come and stay with us and immerse yourself in the griot life.
Teaching, making, living and loving the kora
Teaching
Kora tuition
The main reason people come to stay with us is to learn to play the kora from genuine Gambian griots.
Individual one-to-one lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced players
Go at your own pace and practice as much as you like in a supportive musical environment
Learn to play Mandinka music from a whole griot family – a truly immersive learning experience
Living
Experience the griot life
Kora Kunda is in the heart of Brikama, Gambia. It is full of life colour, culture and music.
Stay on our large family compound with your own private room and live like a griot
Spend time getting to know different people in the family: kora players, drummers, singers, dancers and historians
Visit our beach spot in Kartong and practice playing the kora as the sun sets over the sea
Making
Authentic griot crafted koras
We have been making traditional koras, balafons and drums for generations, and can ship them all over the world.
Koras can be customised with tuning heads, electronic pick up, additional strings, and more
Balafons, djembes, sabar drums and other instruments available on request
Online orders can be shipped worldwide
Meet Your Host
Dembo Jobarteh will be your host, primary kora teacher, and your main point of contact. He is a griot, traditional musician and instrument craftsman of the renowned Jobarteh family.Contact Dembo using the form below if you have any questions, would like to purchase an instrument, or would like to arrange a stay with us here at Kora Kunda.