About the Instrument

What Is a Kora?

The Kora is a 21-string African harp (specifically a bridge harp-lute) built from a large calabash gourd resonator cut in half and covered with cow-hide. Originating from West Africa, it is widely played across Mali, Senegal, and Gambia.

Sonically, it is similar to a harp, but when played in the traditional 'Kumbengo' style, its polyrhythmic patterns bear a striking resemblance to a guitar played using flamenco or Delta blues techniques. Its warm, crystalline, cascading tone makes it a powerful secret weapon for cinematic film scoring, Afrobeats, and contemporary world music production.

Sonic Zest partnered with internationally acclaimed Kora virtuoso Josh Doughty to create this groundbreaking library — the only deeply-sampled Kora available for NI Kontakt. With over 1,500 individual samples recorded at pristine 24-bit / 48kHz, this library captures every nuance of the instrument.

Listen Now

Sound Demos

Video Demos

Hear the Kora

Performance Demo

Walkthrough

Trailer

“Overall, Kora has a beautiful sound which can be anything from punchy to delicate. I can't fault its sound quality.”

Sound On Sound Magazine

Technical Details

Product Specifications

  • Extensive Sampling: 1,500+ individual 24-bit / 48kHz samples capturing extreme detail and realism
  • 6 Core Articulations: Open Pluck, Muted (Damped), Harmonic, Staccato, Tremolo, and Glissando
  • True Range: Full 21-string range mapped chromatically for complete melodic freedom
  • Dynamic Playability: Deeply velocity-layered with up to 4 round-robin anti-repeat variations
  • Cinematic FX: Built-in Impulse Response convolution reverb for lush, expansive spaces
  • Format: Custom scripted NI Kontakt instrument (.nki) optimized for modern DAWs
  • NI Kontakt 5.8.1 or above (Full version required — not compatible with Kontakt Player)
  • Mac: macOS 10.14 or above
  • PC: Windows 10 or above
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
  • Storage: Approximately 2 GB

After purchase, you will receive a download link via email. The library is provided as a compressed ZIP file. See our installation guide for step-by-step instructions. Downloads are available immediately after payment.

Josh Doughty is an internationally acclaimed Kora player who has performed and recorded with some of the world's leading musicians. His deep understanding of the instrument's expressive capabilities was central to capturing the full range of the Kora for this library.

Add to Cart – £60.00
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