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Music & Performing Arts

Bai Konte (Alhaji)

Pioneering kora player and jali

1920–1983

Alhaji Bai Konte was a jali from Brikama whose international performances helped introduce the kora to new audiences. He appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1973 and made influential recordings. His family and musical collaborators continued this international exchange through later generations of kora performers.

THEIR MARK ON HISTORY

01Performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1973.

02Recorded Kora Melodies from the Republic of the Gambia in 1973.

KoraOral historyPioneers

Photo: Marc and Susan Pevar / Tape Op · Image rights retained by source. Cropped or framed for display. View original photograph.