Answer:
The music of the Kora has two basic features, the kumbengo, which is an underlying polyrhythmic pattern, and the birimintingo, which are the solo “flourishes” a performer plays when not singing.
Explanation:
The kora is built by large gourd cut in half and covered with cowhide to make a resonator, and has a jagged bridge like a lute or guitar. The sound of a kora resembles that of a harp, although when played in the traditional style, it bears a greater resemblance to flamenco and delta blues guitar techniques. When playing the kora, the musician only uses the thumb and index finger of both hands to play the strings in polyrhythmic patterns (using the remaining fingers to protect the device by holding posts on either side of the strings). Ostinato riffs ("Kumbengo") and makeshift solo runs ("Birimintingo") are played at the same time by skilled musicians.
Kumbengo and birimintingo are two characteristics of the sound played by this instrument. Kumbengo, which is an underlying polyrhythmic pattern, and birimintingo, which is the “flourishes” soil that an interpreter plays when not singing.
