Alhaji Bai Konte, Dembo Konte & Ma Lamini Jobate - Gambian Griot Kora Duets

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Review by evangel chng

Gambian Griot Kora Duets: A Raw, Soul-Stirring Dive into African Folk Let’s cut the crap—this album isn’t just another world music release. Gambian Griot Kora Duets by Alhaji Bai Konte, Dembo Konte & Ma Lamini Jobate is a punch-to-the-gut reminder of how traditional sounds can still slap harder than anything pumped out of some overproduced studio in LA or London. Released in 2020 via Folkways Records (yeah, those folks who never miss), this sucker grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. The vibe? Straight-up Gambian griot magic. You’re not listening to "songs" here—you're hearing stories, histories, lives wrapped up in strings and rhythms that feel older than time itself. And damn if it doesn’t hit different when you know these guys are keeping an ancient tradition alive while making it sound fresh as hell. Tracks That Stick Like Glue Take “Darisalami Amad Fal (Tomora Ba Tuning)”, for instance. It opens with this hypnotic kora riff that feels like stepping into a sun-soaked village square where everyone knows your name—even though they don’t. The interplay between Alhaji Bai Konte and Dembo Konte on this track? Chef’s kiss. Their fingers dance across those strings so fast you’d think they were possessed. But there’s no showboating—it’s all purpose, all heart. By the time Ma Lamini Jobate chimes in with percussion that hits like thunder, you’ll be hooked. This ain’t background music; this is front-and-center soul food. Then there’s “Tutu Jara (Sauta Tuning)”, which flips the script entirely. If “Darisalami” feels like a warm hug from a long-lost uncle, “Tutu Jara” is more like getting challenged to a dance-off at a family reunion. The rhythm switches up mid-track, throwing curveballs left and right, but somehow it stays smooth as butter. There’s something about the way the kora melodies weave together—it’s chaotic yet controlled, messy yet perfect. Every listen feels like discovering new layers, kinda like digging through old vinyl crates and finding gold every damn time. Behind the Scenes Vibes Props gotta go to Marc Pevar—he didn’t just record this thing; he birthed it. The production has zero fluff, letting the raw talent of the musicians shine without any unnecessary polish. Roland Clyne’s design work gives the cover art that earthy, handcrafted look, while Susan Gunn Pevar’s liner notes make you wanna Google half the words just to keep up. Even the photography nails the mood—authentic, gritty, unapologetically real. Final Thoughts, or Whatever Here’s the kicker: albums like Gambian Griot Kora Duets remind us why folk traditions matter. In a world drowning in TikTok trends and forgettable beats, this record stands tall, screaming, “Yo, pay attention!” It’s not easy listening—it demands respect, patience, and maybe even a stiff drink. But once it sinks its hooks into you, good luck shaking it off. Oh, and one last thing: if someone tells you African folk music is niche or irrelevant today, shove this album down their throat. They might choke on it, sure, but at least they’ll learn something before they do.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: alhaji-bai-konte-dembo-konte-ma-lamini-jobate-gambian-griot.zip
  • MP3 size: 28 mb
  • FLAC size: 174.5 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Darisalami Amad Fal (Tomora Ba Tuning)9:45
Tutu Jara (Sauta Tuning)9:12
Sutukung Kumbu Sora Followed By Solo (Tomora Ba Tuning)7:52
Jembasengo (Tomora Ba Tuning)4:40
Yeyengo - High Life Tune (Tomora Ba Tuning)10:42

Video

Dembo Konte & Malamini Jobarteh : Yeyengo

Images

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Catalog Numbers

FW 8514

Labels

Folkways Records

Listen online

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP

Credits

RoleCredit
DesignRoland Clyne
Liner NotesSusan Gunn Pevar
PhotographyMarc Pevar, Susan Gunn Pevar
Recorded ByMarc Pevar
ProducerMarc Pevar

Notes

  • Field recordings were made in Senegal and The Gambia with a Sony 772 1/2 track stereo deck using 4 cardioid condenser microphones.
  • Recorded in Dakar, Senegal and in Brikama, The Gambia in December 1977.
  • Descriptive notes included in 6 page folded booklet.
  • Reissued January 2020.

Barcodes

Barcode: 093070851412

About Alhaji Bai Konte, Dembo Konte & Ma Lamini Jobate

Born 1920 in Brikama, Gambia, died 1982 or 1983. Bai Konte was a jali, or praise singer, and master kora musician. Father of and Sherrifo Konteh, who continue to live in Brikama. He popularized the Casamance kora style (better known in Senegal than Gambia), which includes extensive improvisations with powerful strumming, and a more polyrhythmic and percussive technique. Also unique to his performances was rhythmic tapping (konkon) on the back of a kora by a second performer, and frequent use of a group of backing vocalists to accompany his own singing and storytelling. Bai Konte generally tuned his kora to a higher pitch than was standard at the time, giving a brighter sound to the instrument; another technique that has since gained popularity.

Real Name

    • Alhaji Bai Konte

Name Vars

  • A.B. Konte
  • Bai Konte
  • Konte

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Gambian Griot Kora Duets* is a beautiful blend of traditional African sounds, released in 2020 by Folkways Records. It features Alhaji Bai Konte, Dembo Konte, and Ma Lamini Jobate, who bring the rich history of the kora to life. The album was recorded and produced by Marc Pevar, with stunning photography and liner notes that add depth to the experience. One cool detail? The track *Yeyengo - High Life Tune* mixes classical kora techniques with hints of high-life music, showcasing the versatility of the Gambian griot tradition. It’s like a musical bridge between worlds!

Comments

andrykur
andrykur
2025-03-14
Good glorious Kora morning to all you music and culture lovers!