Sean Gaskell gives Educational Performance of the Kora

Musician Sean Gaskell was a very special guest at the Bing Wong Auditorium on Jan. 14 at the Feldheym Library as he performed an entertaining demonstration on the Kora. His performance did not only offer a few melodies and tunes, it offered an interesting educational demonstration on the instrument and the culture that comes with it. According to Gaskell, the Kora is an ancient 21-stringed harp originally from West Africa. He played a variety of traditional songs that are “the heart and soul of the Kora’s musical repertoire”. Gaskell showcased his talent by also performing some of his very own songs and compositions. In between songs, Gaskell shared stories and history behind the peaceful instrument. Although the instrument originated long ago and is native to the Mande people within the countries: Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, and Mali, the Kora he was using to perform was made in 2011 right here in the US, he explained. “This one is actually a lot different than a traditional Kora…the main differences are the skin and the wood,” he said. Plus, the one he was using also had tuning pegs and according to Gaskell, traditional Koras usually do not. “The Kora is most culturally significant because it is used as means for the Griots to tell their history,” he explained. Gaskell’s experience and knowledge of the Kora is very extensive and has even been featured in festivals around the world. He studied under the instruction of Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh of Brikama, The Gambia, and Kane Mathis of Brooklyn, NY. According to Gaskell, many songs played with the Kora share stories of war and hardship through the melodic tunes. However some praise people of high political status and those who helped expand the Mande Empire. Some songs are very well known and can be traced back in the past 800 years.