Konteh Kunda

Welcome to the website for the KONTEH KUNDA SCHOOL OF MUSIC. The school is the located on the Konteh family compound in Brikama, Gambia. If you are looking for the most authentic music study experience, this is your place. Jali Bakary Konteh, son and grandson of world reknowned Kora masters Dembo and Alhaji Bai Konteh respectively, is the primary Kora instructor. Lessons in percussion, balafon, fula flute, and traditional Mandinka dancing are also available from the finest practitioners in the music rich town of Brikama.

For more info please contact Jali at jalibakary@gmail.com

or call at 220-984-3706 (011 prefix if calling from US)

or Steve Pile at 707-889-0639 (US)

Please stay tuned as we update the site!

Jali can also found at www.myspace.com/jalibakarykonteh

and

www.jalibakarykonteh.com

School of Music

Brikama, Gambia

From the Lonely Planet guide to West Africa:

“For anybody interested in African music, Brikama should be an obligitory stop on the itinerary. The dusty town is home to one of the most renowned Kora players in the country, a griot clan that reaches back several generations and has brought forth such mighty talent as Dembo Konteh, his son Jali Bakary Konteh, and Milamini Jobarteh and his sons Pa and Tata Din Din.

Forget about the 'instant drumming" courses on the coast: this is one of Gambia’s best places to learn traditional instruments- such as the Kora, Jembe, Bolonbolong or Balafon from brilliant players and teachers. You can watch the instruments being made and get an introduction to the métier of a griot.”