Experimental rock/funk collective KORA are a 5 piece band with huge live presence, vocal harmonies sailing on a powerhouse rhythm section. Solid musicians, the 4 brothers & Dan, Aotearoa (New Zealand).

KORA (formed in 2003)are; Laughton Kora on vocals, guitar, harmonica & keys; Francis Kora on bass, samples & vocals; Stuart Kora on guitar, keys & vocals; Brad Kora on drums and vocals & Dan McGruer on keys & bass.

Discography:

KORA recorded their first single & music video Politician which was play-listed by 15 stations nationwide and held the number 1 spot on Radio Scopes alternative charts for two weeks, whilst staying in the top ten for 8.

The Band headed to the studio mid 2004 to lay down a limited edition EP for both their home market & overseas release. So far the EP has reached No. 2 on IMNZ (Independent Music New Zealand) chart, No. 1 on the Groove Guide New Release charts and No. 3 on Amplifier's 2004 best seller listings. EP Volume has reached Platinum status in NZ, it has also been picked up by Shock in Australia, & Shiva Records in the UK.

KORA's debut self-titled album was released in NZ in 2007 and shot straight to the top of the Official NZ charts – debuting in the Number 1 slot and has now reached double platinum sales. Album is now available in Australia and UK/Europe.

KORA formed a calibration with music legends Cabaret Voltaire and released KORA KORA KORA, a Cabaret Voltaire remix of 7 tracks off KORA's album.

Music awards include bNet Award, Vodafone Music Awards. In 2009 they won the Vogel Award for Best Short Sci-Fi Work for their video Skankenstein.

Live

KORA have performed at The Big Day Out 3 times: in 2007, rocked the mainstage in January 2010 – this year (2011) they are featured alongside Tool & Primal Scream. Other performances include Rhythm & Vines, Soundsplash, Splore & WOMAD UK, WOMADelaide & WOMAD NZ. They have played with the likes of Spearhead (Michael Franti) & Shihad.

KORA visited Australia for the first time in 2005 with Fat Freddy’s Drop and have since returned Aug 2007 to sell-out shows in Melbourne, Sydney & Byron Bay – they have also attended Pyramid Festival, Sydney Festival, Stone Festival, FreshFest, Playgorund & Quicksilver ProShow 2009.

KORA performed at Koko's in London & Scotland with Crazy P & Norman Jay. After the success of their March-July 2008 international WOMAD circuit which included: WOMADelaide, WOMAD NZ and WOMAD UK KORA were picked up by ITB (International Talent Bookings) and toured Europe in late 2008 selling-out their debut Amsterdam & Paris shows.

KORA toured in Japan for 2 Tokyo shows, performances in Minakami and Habuka in early February 2010. They performed at the Mosaic Festival in Singapore in March 2010.

Next up is KORA's follow up album due for 2011 release and a tour to the USA in spring of 2011.

Press

"If you don't know who KORA are it's high time you found out. This band has got to be one of the most diverse, energetic and exciting acts ... their live show is "oh my god who the hell are these guys"..." the set 2008

"KORA is a force to be reckoned and are showing no sign of slowing down" Sticky Pictures for The Living Room TV2.

"Big Day Out - NZ Band of the day!" Herald 2010