With a smile on his face and a repertoire full of African melodies, Salieu Suso brings a little bit of culture to the dreariness of the daily commute, and stands out amongst the throng of Penn Station musicians.

Suso sings and plays the kora, a traditional African stringed instrument that is very popular in the Gambia, where he is from. The kora’s 21 strings are made from fishing line, and the instrument is similar to a harp. Suso comes from a long line of kora players, and began playing when he was 8 years old when his father began giving him lessons.

He now lives in the Bronx and makes a living by playing in multiple musical groups including one that incorporates African and Western instruments.

Suso frequently attracts many passersby, who stop to listen to his music or drop money into his open instrument case. Each time someone stops by, Suso grins widely and thanks them, or begins to strike up a conversation with some of his regulars who greet Suso like an old friend.

“The kora is so tonal and beautiful,” said Mark Roberts, 32, from Germany, who stopped by on Wednesday to watch Suso. “Just look at how happy he is.”