Kadialy Kouyate

Kadialy Kouyate is a kora player and singer from Senegal who now performs all around the UK and Europe.

Kadialy was born in Kolda, Senegal, into a family of griot ‘diali’s’ oral traditional storytellers from the Mandinka culture.

Brought up in such a historical family, he started to play kora at an early age, and playing instinctively by ear, he soon acquired acclaim as a griot artist, leading him to perform and teach at Dakar university, and at the West African Research Centre.

The Mandinka kora is traditionally African, and is a unique harp-like instrument with 21 strings, but the style it is played in is more similar to a Flamenco guitar, while being beautifully hypnotic, and accompanied by solo voice.

Touring with bands, Kadialy came to Europe in 2003, and his performances and recordings have been hugely acclaimed, without exception:

He is currently based in the UK, and has broadcast on radio including BBC World Service (Lucy Duran show), BBC3 World Roots, and live from WOMAD festival.

REVIEWS:

“Kadialy held his audience in rapt attention throughout his performance, demonstrating exceptional musical gifts – both with kora and voice – and a warmth and humanity that called out to the very core of one?s soul.”

(Bishopstone House concert, UK 2003)

“Ranks with the very best music and performances in 10 years of healthy concerts”

(Paul Chi, South Kensington Palace)

“Fimber Bravo and young Senegalese kora player Kadialy Kouyate found a common thread, and proceeded to weave it into a tapestry of multi-hued beauty. Kouyate takes flight with a beautifully judged solo.The playing is flawless throughout the album. He delves into the West African storytelling tradition, with songs derived from traditional tales told by his griot grandmother….”

Dave Oliver, Songlines Magazine, CD reviews