Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 3, 2026

Soku

A soku is a traditional West African instrument used in a type of music called Wassoulou which originated in the Wasulu region of southwest Mali. It is a traditional fiddle, sometimes replaced by modernized versions of the instrument. Known as the n'diaraka or njarka in Songhai, and goje in Hausa, it is composed of a single string that usually wails the feminine vocal melody.

Last revised
Aug 3, 2026
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Wikipedia ↗
Soku player for L’Ensemble Instrumental National in Bamako, Mali source ↗

A soku (Bambara: ߛߏ߬ߞߎ1) is a traditional West African instrument used in a type of music called Wassoulou which originated in the Wasulu region of southwest Mali. It is a traditional fiddle, sometimes replaced by modernized versions of the instrument. Known as the n'diaraka or njarka in Songhai, and goje in Hausa, it is composed of a single string that usually wails the feminine vocal melody.

References

References

  1. Faya Ismael Tolno (September 2011). "Les Recherches linguistiques de l'école N'ko" (PDF). Dalou Kende (in French). No. 19. Kanjamadi. p. 7. Retrieved 17 December 2020.