THE GAMBIA

In 2025, Karin and Evert travelled through the Gambia with a clear goal: to make as many field recordings of traditional Gambian music as possible in a short period of time. With limited recording equipment, they traveled from Banjul to Janjanbureh, where the traditional music festival Kankurang took place. During their trip, they made eight recordings of three different artists, both in Janjanbureh and in Serekunda. This adventure left them wanting more. Hopefully, they’ll be back soon for a follow-up!

Wulabaa Kafoo

The Wulabaa Kafoo group performed at the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival. We recorded them the following day. This first song is a warm welcome dedicated to us as international guests. The second song is performed to chase the evil spirits away for the initiates during circumcision rituals. The third song is a powerful celebration of unity and belonging. It carries a message that transcends differences: we believe in each other, we accept one another, and we speak with one voice. True culture, the song reminds us, cannot exist without unity. Through rhythm and harmony, the group expresses that culture is not just tradition, it is togetherness. Without a shared voice, there is no culture. This performance is a tribute to that spirit of connection and collective identity.

Mjali Suso

Mjali Suso learned to play the kora from his father. In Serekunda he performs three songs for us. The first traditional Mandinka song speaks of how no one on this earth knows their fate. We live in this world, yet the end of our journey remains unknown to us all. The second song is a traditional Jola song. The third song is a traditional love song to praise your wife.

Dinding Kafoo

Dinding Kafoo – which means young musician group. They played two songs for us in Serekunda.