Another "Why"

In preparing for this experience, I've been researching many things. One is the various versions of Afropop and Mbalax music. It seems that I can take a bush taxi (van) into Brikama which is the "music center" of the country. There are many big names who perform there such as Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal. Because the performances don't begin until after the gellahgellah (bush taxi, many spellings) stops running, I'm sure I'll be studying a few instruments. I'd love to understand how to play the kora, the national instrument of the Gambia. It has 21 strings. "Google" Ballaké Sissoko, Tata Dindin Jobarteh, Toumani Diabaté, Dembo Konté, or Alhaji Bai Konté to hear it. They're all well-know kora players. I also have interesting learning the basics of the Tama, the Gambian "talking drum" and the kutiro and sabar. 

One reason to study traditional instruments is that the teaching is usually in the family compound and many of the teacher's allow you to stay overnight. That would allow me a chance to be "safe" and to hear the dance hall music too.