Imagine traveling thousands of miles from home and discovering a sound that resonates deep within your soul. 🎶 That's exactly what happened to Liu Chen, a musician from China, who found her life's melody in the heart of West Africa.
It all started when Liu Chen traveled to Senegal for work. One day, a friend invited a kora teacher over, and Liu's world changed forever. The kora, a traditional 21-string harp-lute of the Mandinka people, captivated her with its enchanting sounds. \"I started to search for and listen to kora music, and I fell in love with this instrument. It's very special because it has different sounds,\" Liu Chen shared.
Her journey didn't stop there. In Mali, she delved deeper into the world of traditional West African music, encountering even more instruments. \"In Mali, it sounds like classical music. It's very calm and rich. When I listen to some Gambia or Senegal albums with the kora, I find it is more like folk music,\" she explained. \"So even though it's the same instrument, every kora player has their own character and style.\"
But the music wasn't the only thing that stole her heart. Liu met and married Malian musician Adama Yalomba Traor\u00e9, who plays the kamale ngoni, a stringed instrument from Mali. Together, they create harmonious blends of East meets West, sharing their passion for music and culture.
\"You can play the same song from traditional music, but you can have your own way to interpret it,\" Liu said. And that's precisely what she and Adama are doing\u2014creating their unique symphony that bridges continents and cultures. 🌍❤️
Their story is a beautiful example of how music transcends borders, connecting people from different backgrounds. For Liu Chen, the kora isn't just an instrument; it's a bridge between her Chinese roots and her newfound African family.
Reference(s):
Sounds of kora, kamale ngoni instruments ignite China-Africa exchange
cgtn.com
