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 The Kora is a 21-stringed harp lute that originated in the Gambia River valley with the Mandinko. Griots from most Mande groups in Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau play the kora. Griots and storytellers used it in the past to tell stories and to entertain many African Kings. It has a very mystical sound. Nowadays, even though only a small percentage (around 10%) of Senegalese are Mande, most Senegalese hold the kora in high esteem as one of their great traditional instruments, and everyone recognizes the famous kora tunes. It has become popular in the West and has made its way onto popular recordings by Peter Gabriel and many other Western artists. Its clear, bell-like tone is appealing to Western and African audiences alike.
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