Kadialy Kouyate
- Release
- 09/24/2021
About
“Senegalese kora virtuoso/singer Kadialy Kouyaté showcases his fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerizing instrument, complementing it with his hauntingly, darkly beautiful voice.” –Time Out London
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy Kouyate’s kora playing and singing style, both as a soloist and in different ensembles, have been appreciated in many prestigious venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the 02 Arena, the National Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall and Clarence House. Kadialy has also played venues and festivals across the world, touring to Europe, Australia and North America. Since his arrival in the UK, Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene with his griot legacy. Kadialy has taught the kora at SOAS, University of London, for the last decade and he has also been involved in countless musical projects both as a collaborator and a session musician. He toured with the RSC’s production of Julius Caesar and other theatre projects include working at the London Globe Theatre on a show called We The People as well as touring three children theatre projects with the renowned Oily Cart. In 2015 he took part in the remaking of the TV series Roots as a musician, cultural consultant and dialect coach. Kadialy has released several albums, and makes regular radio and television appearances.
With his Sound Archive, Kadialy Kouyate draws on his heritage and its traditional songs to create his own mesmerising compositions, leading his fantastic band into the West African groove.
His latest album Nemo meaning Blessings in Mandinka was released in April 2020 and has won rave reviews from the press. Nemo was recently selected Top of The World in the July 2020 issue of the Songline Magazine.
“Kadialy’s strong deep voice that impresses…on the Youssou N’dour-esque opener ‘Ye Nale’…” Jane Cornwell – Songline Magazine
“It’s great to hear Kadialy Kouyate firmly back in his own Mandinka territory. This album Na Kitabo (My Book) by the kora player and singer is rooted in his own Senégalese tradition and has all the hallmarks of a classic in the making. The themes of the songs counteract humanity’s current obsession with negativity in the world and focus instead on happiness.”Rhythmpassport
“….ADMIRABLE SKILL AND PRECISION.” – SONGLINES #125 –
“SUCCESSFUL PIECE OF WEST AFRICAN AFRO-POP WITH A MESSAGE.” – TROPICALIDAD.BE –
World Music/Traditional | World Music/Contemporary
Links
Source
Aado: The New Enchanting Album From Kadialy Kouyate, a Musician and Songwriter Born Into the Great Line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal. Aado Touches on Senegalese Principles and Reflects on Mandinka Culture.
In Senegalese society, aado stands for moral customs and values. In this album, Kadialy Kouyate’s enchanting music touches on those principles and reflects on Mandinka culture.
As a musician and songwriter born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy’s mesmerising kora playing embraces the art of storytelling, via the 21-stringed kora, and draws on heritage to inspire new, uplifting compositions.
AADO
In Mandinka culture, certain principles are held in high regard among the community. These core foundations run throughout the album as a reminder of the important values needed within ourselves and our society: the positive qualities of individual personality; respect and consideration for those around you; the generosity and joy of hospitality (a tradition also known in Wolof as teranga); the art and culture of the griot, as heard in Sora, celebrating the Cissokho family, one of the most highly regarded griot families. Kouyate also pays homage to the great warrior Fakoli in the track Janjon Ba. Fakoli joined the ranks of Sunjata Keita in the 13th century and was renowned for his bravery. The Fakoli rhythm is now played for reputable leaders and those who have done good deeds.
Kadialy Kouyate
Wanting to pass the tradition on to new generations, he began teaching the kora at Dakar University and at the West African Research Centre in Senegal. He continued this passion when he moved to London, teaching at SOAS University of London, where he still tutors today. Since his arrival in the UK, he has been involved in countless musical projects. Such collaborations include working with Mumford & Sons and Baaba Maal, the multicultural fusion group Rafiki Jazz, Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale and Venezuelan harpist Leonard Jacome. Kadialy has performed at many prestigious venues such as The Royal Festival Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena. He has performed at festivals across the world while touring Europe, Canada, Australia and North and South America.
“Peaceful ethereal and yet highly melodic rhythms which I truly love.” – The Folk Roots
“Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene.” – The Nest Collective
“Beautiful melodies and deep messages that soothe the soul.” – Penny Black Music
Dispatch Details
| Release Format: | Album |
| Release Type: | Digital & Physical |
| Country: | United States |
| Distributor: | Naxos |
| Record Label: | Naxos World |
| Release Title: | Aado - Senegalese Kora |
