Jaliba Kuyateh brought the kora into a modern band setting while remaining rooted in Gambian jali traditions. A former teacher, he became a full-time musician in 1986. His recordings and performances with the Kumareh Band combine the kora with percussion, guitar and other instruments.
Foday Musa Suso was a Gambian kora player and composer whose work connected Mandinka oral traditions with international experimental music. After settling in Chicago, he formed the Mandingo Griot Society. His collaborations included Herbie Hancock, Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet, alongside recordings of traditional repertoire.
