Tamala Band

Tamala is a six-piece band led by master drummer Ibs Sallah, with musicians from Gambia. They play West African instruments rooted in the Griot tradition - keepers of an orally transmitted culture who pass on their knowledge through music and song. Joining them on stage is Sellina from Namibia, a seasoned African Tribal Dance performer with a deep grounding in the dance traditions of West and Southwest Africa.

At the heart of the music is the kora, a West African bridge harp played by plucking with both hands. It originates from the former Mandinka kingdom of Kaabu, which stretched across present-day Gambia, southern Senegal and Mali until the 19th century. The kora is joined by the balafon, a water drum, the tama (talking drum), the djembe and a bass guitar.