When Liu Chen first heard the hypnotic tones of the kora—a 21-string West African lute—during her work trip to Senegal, little did she know it would spark a cross-continental love story and a mission to bridge cultures through music. 🎵
The Chinese national, now based in Mali, mastered the Mandinka cultural staple with guidance from local teachers. Today, she performs alongside her Malian husband, Adama Yalomba Traore, who plays the kamale ngoni, a traditional harp-like instrument. Together, their melodies blend Chinese and African musical traditions into a vibrant symphony of cultural exchange. 🌟
“Every kora player has their own style—whether it’s Mali’s classical richness or Senegal’s folksy rhythms,” Liu explains. “Music lets us reinterpret traditions while honoring their roots.” 🎻
Their collaboration highlights growing grassroots ties between China and Africa, proving that art can transcend borders. As young audiences worldwide groove to Afrobeats and explore global sounds, stories like Liu’s remind us that cultural curiosity is the ultimate universal language. 💬✨
