During the first Kora festival in the history of The Gambia - held from 14th to 15th November 2008 - griots, historians and other prominent and erudite custodians of arts and culture unanimously agreed that Kora originated in The Gambia.

According to them gathered Koras originated from Sanneh Mentereng, a historic site located in Brufut, Kombo South.

According to Mr Alagie Manjako, a renowned and elderly griot, Kora was introduced to one Korian Musa by a spirit at Sanneh Mentereng. The Gambia is the only country that has the right to claim ownership of the Kora. No single country in the world can claim ownership of Kora apart from the Gambia.

His comments were wholeheartedly endorsed by the entire gathering including Alhaji Sarjo Barrow, an erudite and prominent broadcaster of our time at the GRTS. The Kora festival brought together over 50 renowned and sprouting griots from the length and breadth of The Gambia, especially the Kombos.

As stated in the previous edition of this column, the Kora instrument played and continues to play an important role in our every day lives. Kora served as an instrument to inform, educate and entertain. It  is a 21-string instrument.

The Kora festival  was both a breeding ground and ideal exchange venue for young and elderly griots, and members of the community. Kora concert was also held at the Buffer Zone in Talinding.

This was attended by over 60 kora players and other prominent griots personalities in the Gambia. The concert featured diffrent types of Kora instruments played in the Gambia