Nema Kunku, Gambia

Program

Studies include performance on African instruments (konting, djembe, riti, kora, wolof drums, mandinka drums), dance, and the history and building of instruments.

This school was organised by Jali Alagi M’byes, a kora teacher. It receives no government assistance, and is funded by concerts given by Alagi and by donations from Scandinavian music organisations. The program is based on a strong oral tradition, and both boys and girls are taught the music and dance from many ethnic groups. The music activities are strongly integrated with the primary school in Nema Kunku. Currently the school teaches about 30 children, half of them attending classes in the morning, the other half in the afternoon, alternating with general school classes. There are no tuition fees. Children also watch and assist in building koras and drums at the school. Development of the curriculum at Maali’s Music School is closely connected to the Malmo Academy of Music in Sweden which takes an active role in the exchange of teaching personnel and students both to and from Gambia.

October 2021