NPR: Best Busker Balla Tounkara Performs at the BPP

Best Busker Balla Tounkara Performs at the BPP

Filed under: Music, Video

Balla Tounkara, kora player and singer handily won our first BPP Best Busker contest last week. Tounkara claims that he's a 40th generation kora player, and based on the way he played that rare instrument at the BPP yesterday, it's a hard point to argue. Here he is, your champion, Balla Tounkara with his original piece, "Nina".

BONUS: After the jump, Balla discusses his rare and possibly "powerful" instrument with Rachel.

Win Rosenfeld

7:33 AM ET | 05-16-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Thank you for introducing him to the larger audience thru your program. I parked on my driveway listening until the end... I was very touched by the sound of the instrument and his singing. I'm getting his albums so I can hear more of him without searching for him on the subway platforms.

Sent by Mari Lewis | 11:06 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Please feature more subway musicians.

Sent by Dana | 7:20 PM ET | 05-16-2008

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