His smile during the song alone makes this video. It is refreshing to see someone who loves what he does. Amazing instrument, amazing person, amazing video
I just heard about the kora. I never knew there was such an instrument. This guy sounds is unbelievable! So, so beautiful! What a stunning instrument and this guy is obviously a master. I could listen to that improv forever.
A master indeed he is. Im still trying to wrap my head around how the fuck he is playing those 3 parts simultaneously. Never mind doing it so fluently. Thank you for your great contribution, Mr. Diabate. And thanks to your son for following in your footsteps.
having stayed with Toumani in his compound in Bamako, I would like everyone to know that he is as gentle and beautiful a soul in person as he is on stage. N'bamlimaké you've been instrumental in helping me to develop my own style of kora playing. An be kelen
Lovely. I wish there'd be more worldwide interest in playing instruments outside the traditional Western canon of instruments. There's this wealth of amazing sounds out there, and we'd be the richer for embracing them more fully.
9 лет назад+18
Comme le balafon, ces instruments sont des trésors de l'Afrique, leurs usages disent tant de choses. Bravo pour ce cours.
This particular poetic tradition has survived amongst we Africans in North America in "The Dozens" and spoken word poetry. Remarkably, spoken word poetry even continues to mimic the tonal patterns of West African tonal languages, though unknowingly. And both still serve the purpose of conflict resolution, addressing socio-political concerns, and healing the mind.
when I first heard kora music I had no idea what it was but it was so enchanting. But it was kora music played by this guy. I have been addicted ever since. Good music is timeless and crosses all boundaries
I think it was sweet when he started smileing you could tell he really loves to play music ^-^ and it sounded so BEAUTIFUL o0o He's deffinantly a pro :3
It's interesting how almost all the kora music I've heard on youtube starts with the same bass line, then follows the exact pattern said in this video -- accompaniment the improvisation -- and it all comes out unique and beautiful.
the kora was created by west Afrricans...there is no european influence on the way its sounds. The kora is built from a large calbash cut in half with 21 strings attach to it. This a traditional West African musical instrument. Most Kora players traditionally comes from griot families who are traditional historians...so am pretty sure the Kora had no European influence on the way it sounds Also you hear the kora in many West African songs usually from Guinea Mali Senegal hope that helps
I've definitely seen it work on others and in my own life. But it's a different concept from Western medicine where you get sick and go to the doctor. You eat, dance, sing, pray, and honor ancestors all as forms of medicine to predict adversity, prevent it where you may, and be prepared when it comes. Also I was taught in a traditional manor as a child so things like music where seen as enhancing and soothing the mind while teaching the child discipline. This is central to the Kora.
Well the divide is there not just between Africans and Europeans, but between people and their own culture. I grew up with a strong since of heritage and culture and a passion for history so I studied far more than African history. In fact I was hooked on Gothic Germany during the middle ages. Between the plague and the banditry that ruled the day I was amazed people were able to survive that period; and more intrigued by the heroes that emerged from those circumstances.
i didn't mean to upset u... i was just saying that many African songs always reflect their countries' (or region) traditional sounds...i don't think Europeans had any influence in that...bout Salif or even Youssou, they sometimes record songs that might sound like R&B but the rythym of their songs is traditional...though most of their songs are very very traditional (not sounding like R&B at all) if u want i can send u some traditional gunean songs am sure you'll like them :)
The tone reminds me of a guitar mixed with a harpsicord, not sure if anyone else hears what I mean. Absolutely awesome tone and range of stuff you can do with this instrument. Is he playing the fast lines with only his thumbs?
@greendayrocker86 Yes, African instruments are very ancient. But when the slaves were transported to America, they built their ancient instruments here. They may have incorporated some features of other ancient instruments into their home-made Akontings (or banjos), and they definitely incorporated features of Western instruments into them (a very old banjo has been found with the tuning-board of a thrown-out broken guitar grafted onto it). The oldest banjos came here from the Caribbean.
I strongly agree that African epics should be performed abroad, but if an Opera then in our own musical tradition in order to bridge gaps and change perceptions. So much of Africa's history and great achievements are steeped in secrecy for many reasons. The first being the Imperial behavior of outsiders and the need to protect culture and knowledge from the destructive normalizing forces of Empire.
Both the Kora, Guitar and Violin are types of harp called lutes. All over the world harps have been used for thousands of years from prehistoric Africa and Asia, Ancient Greece and Rome, to modern day Rock and Reggae harps such as the Fender Stratocaster (Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix) and Gibson les Paul (Gunz’n’Roses, Led Zepplin). It’s beautiful to listen to harps and lutes in every culture. These are naturally beautiful instruments that the whole of humanity collectively love. There’s something about when a human being creates vibrations (good vibes) that transcends all language barriers and enables man (willies & wombs) to come together as one.
There are 4 tunings for a seven note scale in 3 octaves since there are 21 strings. Traditionally they don't say octave the word used is "voice". 2 of the 4 traditional tunings closely match the major and minor scale and the remaining 2 have no equivalent in European tradition; these 2 have more in common with the "blues notes". This tradition goes back almost 1000 years so there many tunings but 4 core tunings considered traditional.
Maybe I can help a bit there. The documentary comes along with the CD "Boulevard De L'independance." Maybe check out your local city library to see if you can borrow it, cos it may be a bit expensive.
That's a great question and it depends on whom you speak to. I personally don't think so, as long as it's not used to overpower the culture already present.
Furthermore the tuning rings aren't fixed so they can be adjusted to suit any number of tunning possibilities. In this tradition there's no notion of whole, half, quarter, ect. only the sound and the sentiment it's meant to evoke. There really isn't even the notion of beginning or end when it comes to timing. Every song is merely a composition of minute parts strung together in loose order. A player may enter, exit, or vary at any point. In this regard it is more akin to Jazz than Classical.
His smile during the song alone makes this video. It is refreshing to see someone who loves what he does. Amazing instrument, amazing person, amazing video
es cierto
I just heard about the kora. I never knew there was such an instrument. This guy sounds is unbelievable! So, so beautiful! What a stunning instrument and this guy is obviously a master. I could listen to that improv forever.
A master indeed he is.
Im still trying to wrap my head around how the fuck he is playing those 3 parts simultaneously. Never mind doing it so fluently.
Thank you for your great contribution, Mr. Diabate. And thanks to your son for following in your footsteps.
RIP to one of the greatest musicians of my lifetime. Thank you for blessing the world with your talent.
having stayed with Toumani in his compound in Bamako, I would like everyone to know that he is as gentle and beautiful a soul in person as he is on stage. N'bamlimaké you've been instrumental in helping me to develop my own style of kora playing. An be kelen
Lovely. I wish there'd be more worldwide interest in playing instruments outside the traditional Western canon of instruments. There's this wealth of amazing sounds out there, and we'd be the richer for embracing them more fully.
Comme le balafon, ces instruments sont des trésors de l'Afrique, leurs usages disent tant de choses. Bravo pour ce cours.
Le son de cet instrument, Mais aussi la musique de Toumani Diabaté: un enchantement, une musique pour l'âme découverte il y a presque 30 ans.
I love this, it's what made me buy the album and he's a genius
He started at age 5? wow, impressive..
Nous devons apprendre à valoriser ce que l'on a. La mélodie de la Kora est juste trop merveilleuse, partageons là à travers nos générations.
brings me to tears
sometimes i think "hey i'm a pretty good musician"
then i watch videos like this and go "fuck i gotta go back and practice some more"
His smile, it's the way he plays the instrument so full of love and passion. Hope you are still doing well good sir.
This particular poetic tradition has survived amongst we Africans in North America in "The Dozens" and spoken word poetry.
Remarkably, spoken word poetry even continues to mimic the tonal patterns of West African tonal languages, though unknowingly. And both still serve the purpose of conflict resolution, addressing socio-political concerns, and healing the mind.
I am so captivated by this Instrument so beautiful
Been listening to him for almost 15! Years. Every time I watch this video my Mind is blown.
I screamed in awe at this soul touching peice ( :
when I first heard kora music I had no idea what it was but it was so enchanting. But it was kora music played by this guy. I have been addicted ever since. Good music is timeless and crosses all boundaries
I think it was sweet when he started smileing you could tell he really loves to play music ^-^ and it sounded so BEAUTIFUL o0o He's deffinantly a pro :3
In my opinion He know he made a little mistake but we can't know it...
@@prodrmx5007 bruh the comment was 8 years ago
@@achoo3001 bro my comment was 5 months ago in 2019 - maybe most of us are dead now due to covid19 :)
He is from 70 generations of griots who played kora
@@eagleeye5943 🤨the kora was made in the late 1700s. Each generation would have to be like 4 years apart
It's interesting how almost all the kora music I've heard on youtube starts with the same bass line, then follows the exact pattern said in this video -- accompaniment the improvisation -- and it all comes out unique and beautiful.
Amazing and enchanting melodies.
the kora was created by west Afrricans...there is no european influence on the way its sounds. The kora is built from a large calbash cut in half with 21 strings attach to it. This a traditional West African musical instrument. Most Kora players traditionally comes from griot families who are traditional historians...so am pretty sure the Kora had no European influence on the way it sounds
Also you hear the kora in many West African songs usually from Guinea Mali Senegal
hope that helps
Nice improv… Such a unique instrument with beautiful sound… ☮🔥
i love this video. im so glad i have looked this up
goosebumps every time i hear this instrument
Yeah...
Qe c'est beau!
je me souviens du temps que jái passe en guinee Bissao... bises, mon pote
Der Kora meister, innovator and professor Toumani. Gives good tips for all those who will to learn this instrument in Mali and West Africa
gorgeous..so peaceful
He made my soul happy, thank you so much man. =)
Everything starts with the Bass💥💥
i saw him and his orchestra about 20 days ago,the music was great and at the end eveyone was up on stage dancing, it was cool
That instrument is awesome. He's hecka great on it, too.
I've definitely seen it work on others and in my own life. But it's a different concept from Western medicine where you get sick and go to the doctor.
You eat, dance, sing, pray, and honor ancestors all as forms of medicine to predict adversity, prevent it where you may, and be prepared when it comes.
Also I was taught in a traditional manor as a child so things like music where seen as enhancing and soothing the mind while teaching the child discipline. This is central to the Kora.
Beautiful!! Thank you for giving us a taste of how you play this instrument!
oh, look at him improvising and smiling:) divine!
i love this sound and music
Thanks for uploading! Beautiful music!
a master of kora and great muscian
the only diabates we need in this world ❤
The natural harmonies on the kora are amazing
I'm so excited about seeing Toumani Diabate play at Wycwhood Festival in the summer :-)
Well the divide is there not just between Africans and Europeans, but between people and their own culture. I grew up with a strong since of heritage and culture and a passion for history so I studied far more than African history. In fact I was hooked on Gothic Germany during the middle ages. Between the plague and the banditry that ruled the day I was amazed people were able to survive that period; and more intrigued by the heroes that emerged from those circumstances.
This instrument is an extraordinary world heritage
i didn't mean to upset u... i was just saying that many African songs always reflect their countries' (or region) traditional sounds...i don't think Europeans had any influence in that...bout Salif or even Youssou, they sometimes record songs that might sound like R&B but the rythym of their songs is traditional...though most of their songs are very very traditional (not sounding like R&B at all)
if u want i can send u some traditional gunean songs am sure you'll like them :)
My first time seeing this beautiful instrument .
Aha! Now to find the DVD...excellent musician.
Splendide!!!! Merci! Salam!
I MUST HAVE ONE! Y'know, if I had 1000+ dollars to spare...
so beautiful
Il est tout à fait magnifique. J'aime beaucoup écouter sa musique. Il est très intéressant savoir comme est qu'on joue cet instrument
superb! the real thing! toumaniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! from cuba with love :-)
I saw him in Lisbon.
I realy like it
There is plenty of tradition and knowledge: art craft , wisdom , and most over musical richness - thank you
uplifting music, thank you Tounami ,
The tone reminds me of a guitar mixed with a harpsicord, not sure if anyone else hears what I mean. Absolutely awesome tone and range of stuff you can do with this instrument. Is he playing the fast lines with only his thumbs?
wonderful playing deserving 5 stars. Bravo !
A song was made from this beautiful clip. You can hear it here. soundcloud.com/generik-lnc/optimystic
Magnífico! Pena ,muito curto o vídeo.
Beautiful music.
Come on rob scallon ,You got to get one of these
I am not earthling but It's amazing sound, greetings from U455
Wow beautiful.
so beautiful...
i really want to cry when hearing this.
Viajo nesse som !!!
Great!
mes respects... magnifique
@greendayrocker86 Yes, African instruments are very ancient. But when the slaves were transported to America, they built their ancient instruments here. They may have incorporated some features of other ancient instruments into their home-made Akontings (or banjos), and they definitely incorporated features of Western instruments into them (a very old banjo has been found with the tuning-board of a thrown-out broken guitar grafted onto it). The oldest banjos came here from the Caribbean.
wait, was that all being played on the one kora?
nopushbutton yup :)
Yes! Only the thumb and the first digits of each hand is used.
Yes sir I am north american working In a radio station I've met a 35 plus year kora player and I've started to learn it !
Great, isn’t it? Lol
i saw this guy at the winnipeg folk fest, he was amazing!
Second oldest comment!
Does anyone know what the song he is playing is called? I wanna listen to the whole thing!
Awesome!
Viva Toumani Diabate!
Excellent.
Fantastic
The oldest comment
I strongly agree that African epics should be performed abroad, but if an Opera then in our own musical tradition in order to bridge gaps and change perceptions. So much of Africa's history and great achievements are steeped in secrecy for many reasons. The first being the Imperial behavior of outsiders and the need to protect culture and knowledge from the destructive normalizing forces of Empire.
Wonderful! He is currently touring with Bela Fleck. Go see!
amazing
2019?
Wow it sounds great. A sort of guitar sound but much richer and more resonant.
Both the Kora, Guitar and Violin are types of harp called lutes.
All over the world harps have been used for thousands of years from prehistoric Africa and Asia, Ancient Greece and Rome, to modern day Rock and Reggae harps such as the Fender Stratocaster (Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix) and Gibson les Paul (Gunz’n’Roses, Led Zepplin).
It’s beautiful to listen to harps and lutes in every culture. These are naturally beautiful instruments that the whole of humanity collectively love.
There’s something about when a human being creates vibrations (good vibes) that transcends all language barriers and enables man (willies & wombs) to come together as one.
Amazing
There are 4 tunings for a seven note scale in 3 octaves since there are 21 strings. Traditionally they don't say octave the word used is "voice".
2 of the 4 traditional tunings closely match the major and minor scale and the remaining 2 have no equivalent in European tradition; these 2 have more in common with the "blues notes". This tradition goes back almost 1000 years so there many tunings but 4 core tunings considered traditional.
despide i have no ideea how he do that .... i love it
i also want to add the griots or West Africans have been playing this instrument hudreds of years ago before the arrival of any europeans
so beautifull i wanna learn it!
@7shabba I'm not too sure he's playing an actual song. He did say he was improvising in the vid, so maybe it's just that.
Awesome!
absolutely amazing!
Ya
Are you on FB.?
Beautiful, he's a virtuoso.
How are there any dislikes on this?
Maybe I can help a bit there.
The documentary comes along with the CD
"Boulevard De L'independance." Maybe check out your local city library to see if you can borrow it, cos it may be a bit expensive.
coolest thing ever
That's a great question and it depends on whom you speak to. I personally don't think so, as long as it's not used to overpower the culture already present.
wow. cool..
he has the voice of book narrator . how many people do you know have a nice voice even when they aren't singing at all ? not many.
Dear Everyone: Please check out Ballake Sissoko's "Chamber Music" if you like this. Trust me.
Joy PURE PURE JOY
Just 57 seconds ??
Furthermore the tuning rings aren't fixed so they can be adjusted to suit any number of tunning possibilities. In this tradition there's no notion of whole, half, quarter, ect. only the sound and the sentiment it's meant to evoke.
There really isn't even the notion of beginning or end when it comes to timing. Every song is merely a composition of minute parts strung together in loose order. A player may enter, exit, or vary at any point. In this regard it is more akin to Jazz than Classical.
sirandahaja, why do you miss him? he ain't dead
Full version of the tune he is playing please!!!
It's called 'Jarabi
'
wooot he is just improvising, veeeery good