Liu Chen, a Chinese musician, never imagined that a chance encounter in West Africa would transform her musical journey. While working in the region, a friend invited a kora teacher to her home, and Liu decided to take lessons. This spontaneous decision ignited a deep passion for the kora, a traditional 21-stringed instrument central to the Mandinka culture.
“When I went to Senegal, I found the kora and other traditional instruments,” Liu recalls. “Later, in Mali, I was able to encounter more traditional instruments. I started to search for and listen to kora music, and I fell in love with this instrument. It’s very special because it has different sounds.”
Her fascination with the kora led her to explore its rich musical heritage across West Africa. “In Mali, it sounds like classical music—very calm and rich,” she explains. “When I listen to Gambian or Senegalese albums with the kora, I find it is more like folk music. So even though it’s the same instrument, every kora player has their own character and style. You can play the same song from traditional music but have your own way to interpret it.”
Today, Liu Chen shares her musical journey with her Malian husband, Adama Yalomba Traore, who accompanies her on the kamale ngoni, another traditional stringed instrument from Mali. Together, they blend their cultural backgrounds through music, creating a unique fusion that resonates with audiences both in Africa and Asia.
“Music has no boundaries,” Liu reflects. “It’s a universal language that connects people from different cultures. Through the kora and kamale ngoni, we hope to build a bridge between China and Africa, sharing the beauty of our traditions with the world.”
Reference(s):
Sounds of kora, kamale ngoni instruments ignite China-Africa exchange
cgtn.com
