Kora workshop with Massa Dembele [all levels]

Saturday 27 June 2026 from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
At the Afro-Latin dance school:
1-3 Rue d'Eich, L-1461 Luxembourg.

The kora is much more than an instrument: it is the living voice of the griots, guardian of the memory and history of the Mandinka peoples of West Africa.

For one afternoon, let Massa Dembele, a virtuoso musician from Burkina Faso, guide you through the spellbinding world of this twenty-one-stringed harp.

Born into a family of griots from the Bwaba ethnic group, Massa has been immersed in music since childhood.

Having mastered the balafon by the age of five, he discovered the kora in 2010 and quickly made it his instrument of choice, developing a style deeply rooted in West African traditions, tinged with contemporary influences. Today, he passionately shares this rare musical heritage.

During this workshop, you will discover the kora in all its richness: its history, its traditional craftsmanship, and the first steps to make its strings sing.

You will learn how to position your hands, to distinguish between the two registers played simultaneously—one with the left hand, the other with the right—and to sketch out your first melodies, in a spirit of curiosity, concentration and enjoyment.

No prior musical experience is required.

This workshop is open to everyone, from beginners to those simply curious, seeking an authentic encounter with Mandinka music and culture.

Introductory offer: get 30% off when you book the course by 14 June inclusive: places are limited.