What a time to be alive to introduce to you, soothing sounds emerging from a clean spirit and soul, possessing the power to heal.

Welcome to another captivating episode of TMSlive, a space connecting music and art fans around the world and everything in between.

In this present moment, the spotlight is casting its rays of light on a magical music instrument you probably haven’t taken notice of.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Kora.

A four letter word as simple as Kora, finding it’s roots in the Western part of Africa, is a string instrument composed of a long hardwood neck that passes through a calabash gourd resonator, covered by a leather soundboard. There are Twenty-one leather or nylon strings that are attached to the top of the neck with its tuning rings poking out of its structured neck.

Are you just making a discovery of the incredible Kora instrument? I will be elated to inform you how this music instrument changed my life and more importantly, introduce you to the music genius who’s been able to build an intimate relationship with this magical instrument.

SEYDOU DIARRA is an artisan and a musician who hails from the Segou province of Mali, close to Burkina Faso. He spent the early stages of his life in burkina Faso ( Bobo Dioulasso second city) familiarizing himself with the Kora and Balafon instruments.

During the moments his skillful fingers are off the musical instrument, you will find him channeling his energy into making beautifully crafted African bags to earning a living in heart of Accra, Ghana. Below are my personal favorites, handpicked by yours truly.

“I’ve been playing Kora since 5 years old. My father was a player too.”, the young musician announced in a conversation.

Thanks for keeping the family tradition Alive.

Sublime is the Kora, when tweaked, mesmerizes you with its breathtaking sounds.

Some say it’s one of the most wonderful instruments ever heard by the human ear. Others say it possesses the power to relax the mind when anxious. I say, when the Kora strings are plucked ehn, it’s almost as if the strings of my heart are being plucked as well, drawing me spellbound.

I’m excited about what the future holds for this music genius and his mesmerising sounds.

Long live the Kora, Long live Seydou!

Listen to our full conversation here