Tunga (2000)

About this title: When one thinks of contemporary African pop, the kora isn't the first instrument that comes to mind. A string instrument with a harp-like sound, the it has been a part of traditional African tribal music for centuries -- and for the most part, traditional settings are where you can expect to find it. Nonetheless, the kora hasn't been excluded from African pop, and it is used for both traditional and more modern sounds on this rewarding CD by Malian kora virtuoso Mamadou Diabate. Coming from a family of Manding griots, Diabate is well schooled in traditional tribal music but is also open to ... read more

Tracks:

1. Dagna [Diabate/Kouyate]
2. Dounuya [Diabate]
3. Tunga [Diabate]
4. Iarsidan [Diabate]
5. Soutoukou [Diabate]
6. Mamadou Diawara [Diabate]
7. Djanjo [Diabate]
8. Djelimory [Diabate/Kouyate]
9. Mande [Diabate]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.