Balla Tounkara


Balla Tounkara is a Kora player and singer from Mali.

Early life

He was born in Mali into a family of griots, who traditionally played music to the kings of the Malian Empire in their royal court. He started to learn the Kora as a child.

Current activities

Balla Tounkara has released many albums and plays both solo and with a group called 'Groupe Spirite'. He moved to the United States in 1996 and now lives in Boston.