A traditional West African stringed instrument with two strings or courses, used in Mandinka music and culture.
From Mandinka/West African languages, likely referring to the dual-string construction. The word represents African musical heritage preserved through oral tradition and ethnomusicological documentation.
The bifara is a living connection to ancient West African music—the simplicity of two strings belies the complex rhythmic and melodic traditions musicians develop, and every bifara player is continuing traditions that may trace back centuries.
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