Gambia Calls

An encounter of three world musicians in sound

Gambia Calls

Jalli Lamin Kouyate (Gambia) – African cora, vocals
Tarrang Podar (India) – tabla, vocals
Mark Alban Lotz (Germany) – flutes, bansuri, fx

Creating an organic ritual and spiritual trance, this trio brings together the enchanting sound of the African kora, the rhythmic precision of Indian tabla, and the ethereal tones of the Indian bansuri. The result is a rich sonority that blends intimacy, dynamic energy, and cultural depth. Their music reflects the spirit of Africa, India, jazz, and improvisation, while telling a story that celebrates the essence of life.

Mark Lotz explains the origins of the trio:
“Born out of the ‘Music: World Series’ for a series of untamed music at Rasa, Utrecht, I was asked to bring together two multifaceted colleagues and create an unrestrained, unexpected performance—prepared that very same afternoon! This spontaneous recipe for adventure led to an unforgettable encounter that felt like coming home. The enthusiastic response from the audience affirmed we had to continue as a trio, and more concerts soon followed.”

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Band Members

Lamin Kuyate

kora, vocals, fx

Lamin Kuyateh is the eldest son from a traditional Mandingue griot family. Thus, his father taught him to play kora when he was only five years old. The kora is a plucked instrument constructed from a large half gourd about 50 cm in diameter that is strung with an animal skin. Through it protrudes a stem. From top to bottom, 21 strings are stretched against a comb. The comb presses on the tightly stretched skin. The sound of the kora resembles that of a harp or lute. The kora is therefore also called the African harp. The sound produced is poetic and warm. Originally, the griot was the one who passed on (unwritten !) history and sang the poems of praise and heroism. Furthermore, he performed at all traditional ceremonies, from birth to burial, from marriage to circumcision. There, he passed on values and norms, sang about important people and gave advice. Lamin played at home and abroad and performed for television on the programme Podium Witteman, among others.

Tarang Poddar

tabla, vocals

Tarang Poddar is a young tabla player and drummer from Ahmedabad, India. Based in the Netherlands, he has studied the North Indian classical tradition of the tabla with gurus Pt. Shailendra Mishra and Pt. Rahul Shastri, and recently graduated from Codarts Conservatorium, Rotterdam ( Masters/ Cum Laude), majoring in jazz and Indian music. He has over the years performed with renowned artists like Pt. Shailendra Mishra, New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra, Derek Beckvold, Tineke Postma and others, at renowned venues and festivals like Sound of Europe, Music Meeting Nijmegen and Delhi Jazz Festival. His knowledge of traditional North Indian rhythmic concepts fuels his own unique modern compositions and performance practice. He constantly explores the intersection of musical ideas, cultures and traditions, exploring what it means to adapt what is in your roots to make it your own.

Mark Lotz

flutes, bansuri, fx

Mark Lotz is solist who's performances draws listeners in, taking them on a journey of discovery and often seek out surprising settings, challenging conventions. Praised as “one of the world’s top jazz flute players” (Los Angeles Jazz Scene Magazine, USA), Lotz has released 21 albums. His music has received significant industry attention, with extensive radio play and features worldwide. Lotz has collaborated with: Conga legend Miguel ‘Angá’ Diaz, Indian Underground star Najma Akthar, Soloists from Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, Moldovan viola virtuoso Anatol Steffanet, Romanian accordion icon Petar Ralchev, Tibetan songbird Namgyal Lhamo, Senegalese Fula vocalist Omar Ka. In jazz he has worked with international luminaries such as Chris Potter, Don Byron, David Tronzo, Thomas Strønen, NYC Latin legend Eddie Martinez, and Istanbul’s avant-garde group Islak Köpek. In the Netherlands, his collaborations include Theo Loevendie, Ernst Reijseger, Han Bennink, Jesse van Ruller or theater director Eric de Vroedt.