FAQ
Can I hire Vincent for a studio recording?
Yes. Vincent records kora for songs, film scores and soundtracks. He has notably played for AR Rahman (Oscar-winning composer), D Imman and GV Prakash. Send him your track or reference via the contact page to discuss your project or go to his soundbetter profile.
Can Vincent record remotely, without traveling?
Yes, remote sessions are available. You send your reference track , Vincent records the kora in his studio and delivers the files (WAV/stems) for your mix.
Can he compose or improvise a kora part, or just play what I ask for?
Both. Vincent can follow a precise direction, or propose a composition/improvisation adapted to your track.
Does he only play traditional African music?
No. Trained in Mali, India and Europe, Vincent adapts the kora to a wide range of styles — film scores, folk, world music, bal folk, Indian classical, Azerbaijani music, and more. It's this versatility that led him to work with composers like AR Rahman.
Does he also offer live performances for concerts or events?
Yes. Vincent performs live (solo or with other musicians), including bal folk, where the kora accompanies traditional dance. See the Performance and Bal Folk pages.
Weddings & private events
Can I book a kora player for a wedding?
Yes, this is a common request — the kora traditionally plays a role in West African wedding ceremonies, which makes it a popular choice for a ceremony or reception. Contact Vincent with the date, location and desired duration for a quote.
What about a corporate event or private party?
Yes, Vincent also performs for private and professional events, solo or with other musicians depending on the atmosphere you're going for.
Pricing & logistics
How much does a performance or kora recording cost?
The rate depends on the type of project (remote recording, studio session, concert, travel, duration). The simplest way is to describe your project via the contact form to get a tailored quote.
How far in advance should I book?
It depends on the type of service and current availability. For a wedding or concert, it's best to reach out as early as possible; for a remote recording, turnaround is generally shorter.
How many takes/revisions are included?
This is defined per project — mention it in your first message so it's clear in the quote.
About Vincent
What is Vincent Wilkin's experience as a kora player?
Trained in Mali and mentored by Toumani Diabaté (Grammy Award winner), Vincent also immersed himself in Indian and European classical music. He has played for composers such as AR Rahman, D Imman and GV Prakash, and has notably taught kora to Lubiana Kepaou.
Where is Vincent based, and does he travel?
Vincent is based in Bulgaria and travels for concerts and events; for recordings, remote work is available anywhere in the world.
Does he also teach kora?
Yes, but that's a separate service from hiring him for a musical project — see the Teaching page.
Understanding the instrument
What exactly is a kora?
It's a 21-string harp-lute from West Africa (Mandingo culture), built from a calabash and cow skin. It's played with the thumbs and index fingers, similar to fingerpicking, allowing melody and rhythmic accompaniment at the same time.
What can the kora's sound bring to my track or score?
Its soft, crystalline, slightly percussive tone brings an organic color that's hard to achieve with classic Western instruments — often used to evoke another place, an intimate mood, or a world/acoustic texture in a song or soundtrack.
More questions?
