chromatic kora

Jérôme De Cuyper - Creator of the chromatic kora Jazzy-Kora

Between West African heritage and contemporary innovations, he shapes unique instruments and composes a singular sound universe.

Cabinetmaker and musician, Jérôme De Cuyper draws inspiration from West African traditions, which he first explored through percussion before discovering the kora.

As a luthier and inventor, he creates his own instruments, including the Jazzy-Kora, the only chromatic pedal kora in the world.

His compositions and improvisations open a space of encounter between memory and invention, tradition and contemporary sounds, from jazz to world music.

Chromatic kora "Jazzy-Kora"
Chromatic kora "Jazzy-Kora"
Diatonic pedal balafon 'X-Bala'
Diatonic pedal balafon 'X-Bala'
Jérôme De Cuyper playing the chromatic Jazzy-Kora
Jérôme De Cuyper playing the chromatic Jazzy-Kora
32-string all-wood kora
32-string all-wood kora
Chromatic 54-key balafon
Chromatic 54-key balafon
Side view of Jérôme De Cuyper playing the Jazzy-Kora
Side view of Jérôme De Cuyper playing the Jazzy-Kora
Jérôme De Cuyper playing the kora in the show 'Music in Black and White'
Jérôme De Cuyper playing the kora in the show 'Music in Black and White'
Soundboard of the chromatic pedal kora 'Jazzy-Kora'"
Soundboard of the chromatic pedal kora 'Jazzy-Kora'"
Jérôme De Cuyper and his unique pedal chromatic kora
Jérôme De Cuyper and his unique pedal chromatic kora
The chromatic kora with its two pedals
The chromatic kora with its two pedals
Jérôme De Cuyper playing his pedal chromatic kora
Jérôme De Cuyper playing his pedal chromatic kora
Jérôme De Cuyper in concert with his 32-string kora
Jérôme De Cuyper in concert with his 32-string kora

Between Workshop and Stage

These images bear witness to the meeting of tradition, invention, and music.

View of the X-Bala mechanism
View of the X-Bala mechanism

Got an idea, a project, or a desire to talk? Write to me using the contact form.

📍 Charente-Maritime, France

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© 2025 – Jérôme De Cuyper

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