Griot Groove

Today we went to the museum to listen to Alhaji Papa Susso, Master kora (African harp-lute) player and oral historian from The Gambia, West Africa. Papa Susso hails from a long line of Griots (traditional storytellers) of the Mandinka people. He was taught the kora by his father and has been playing since the age of five. The kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute, evolved from earlier hunter harps used by the Mandinka people of West Africa. It is the preferred instrument of Griots, who were traditionally attached to royal courts where their duties included recounting the tribal history and genealogy, composing commemorative songs and performing at important tribal events.
He is a goodwill ambassador, traveling around North America to share his culture with others.

It was a lot fun and Grant and I got our Griot Groove on.