Bil Aka Kora

Bilgho Akaramata Kora, known as Bil Aka Kora came from humble beginnings. Born on April 25, 1971 in the southern town of Po in Burkina Faso,Bil Aka kora was one of the 17 children of Mahama and Teoura Bilgho. he is married to Astride, and is the father of Korane Prisca.Bil Aka Kora is considered one of the greatest musicians in Burkina Faso.Romba, C. (2006, January 30). Bil Aka Kora, artiste musician. Le Faso.net (2006). Retrieved May 18, 2007 from http://www.lefaso.net/article.php3?id_article=12046]

Bil Aka Kora’s sound draws upon traditional music from the language, instruments, rhythm and themes of the south.

Early life

While in high school, he joined a band called “les Missiles” and learned to play guitar under the instruction of a Ghanaian called Salah Ben. Bil Aka Kora went to university to study Math and Physics, but was forced to drop out after his the second year because he had neither funds nor scholarships. Bil Aka Kora turned to music to earn a living. He began playing full time in bars and nightclubs. Bil Aka Kora’s passion for music took a more serious turn in 1997, when the Cultural Minister of Burkina Faso, Mahamoudou Ouedraogo, initiated “Les Grands Prix Nationaux de la Musique” (National Great Prizes of Music), a national competition for musicians. Showing first place at this competition with another musician Kanzai encouraged Bil Aka Kora to keep developing his musical talent.

Invited at “La Nuit du Communicateur” (Communicator’s Night) and “Prix Galian” (Galian Prize), Bil Aka Kora played live on television for the first time and many people appreciated his music. He recorded his first album, Douatou, in December 1998.

Special music Style

Bil Aka Kora’s version of Djongo is a fusion of Kassena and modern music like jazz, reggae, and blues.Bangre, H. (2005, May 3). Bil Aka Kora remporte un Kunde d’or. Afrik.Com (2005). Retrieved May 24, 2007 from http://www.afrik.com/article8351.html] Djongo is originally the traditional music of the Gourounsi or Kassena (ethnical group in the south of Burkina Faso), made with lot percussions like bendre, lunga, djembe, drums and flutes. For Bil Aka Kora, this music is the expression of sincerity, strength and emotions. However, Djongo is traditionally a dance of rivalry, vitality, strength and energy that Kassena men use to dance to impress and seduce girls or before going to war.Bationo, A. F. (2004, September 14). Bil Aka Kora: Le roi de la djongo musique. Le Faso.net (2004). Retrieved May 18, 2007 fromhttp://www.lefaso.net/article.php3?id_article=3848] Emmanuel. (2006, May 8). Bil Aka Kora. Ouaga-ca-bouge.net (2006). Retrieved May 24, 2007 from http://www.ouaga-ca-bouge.net/Bil-Aka-Kora.htlm] Bil Aka Kora modernized it and made it a music style appreciated throughout Burkina Faso, even though the lyrics are in a language spoken by only 1% of the population. Bil Aka Kora says he owes his musical success to the support of his wife Astride, and his group, the Djongo system.

Global Tours

The success of Bil Aka Kora’s music has enabled him to share his culture with people around the world. Bil Aka Kora has traveled to Belgium, France, and Canada as well as many African countries like Togo and Benin. Travel has enabled him to meet and exchange with others artists, like the Austrian musician Humber Von Goisen and the Canadian mixer Gerald La Roche.

Nominations and Achievements

His list of achievements is impressive. Some highlights include:
* He has won the Gold Kunde twice in 2000 and 2005.
* His video Dibayagui was also selected the most beautiful in 2005 by the Burkinabe for the TV show, “Clip d’or”.
* He was also the musical director of several film documentaries and movies soundtracks during the 18th edition of FESPACO.
* In 2004, he played the role of the musician in the movie SOFIA of Aboubacar Diallo, and composed the movie soundtrack.Bil Aka Kora also has his studio production “Djongo Diffusion”. Bil Aka Kora declares that his purpose with the studio is to help young people who want to become musicians, even if they are not doing Djongo music.

Discography

Bil Aka Kora recorded three albums. Most of his musical themes have a social interest.His first album (1999), Douatou or “Rain Maker”, talks about the rain, a metaphor of the political issues of Burkina Faso. In his song “Wematou” which means “God is My Father” he explains how society criticizes single moms and their children, but takes no fault with single dads and their children.His second album (2001), “Ambolou” or “What is Worthy for Me” has been called an album of maturity.

His most recent album is “Dibayagui” (2004). In this album, the song Dibayagui is for Kassena warriors.

Working Style

Bil Aka Kora sings in Kassena, the language that inspires and helps him to express what he feels. Usually when he writes his songs, he composes the melody first and the lyrics later. It is as if the melody guides him to find the themes. However, the reverse was true for his work on the soundtrack of the movie SOFIA. Damien Glez wrote the lyrics and Bil Aka Kora composed the melody. Bil aka Kora said this was not easy work for him.

Dreams and Projects

Bil Aka Kora said he dreams to become more famous in Africa and internationally and win the KORA, a musical festival in South Africa. The KORA rewards talented African and African Diaspora musicians.

References