The calabash is an essential part of everyday life in West Africa. It is used to store food, water, medicine, and spices, while also serving as a musical instrument.

Half of the gourd becomes a characteristic percussion instrument that accompanies West African melodies. A whole calabash forms the base for instruments such as the kora and ngoni harps, while smaller gourds are used as part of the balafon, the African xylophone.

The ensemble, based at Plesna izba Maribor under the direction of Tina Sovič, will present traditional African and original rhythms on calabashes, accompanied by Seydou Yoni Kouyaté on kora and balafon.

The event is part of the Maribum Afriqui 2026 project.