Kadialy Kouyate

Kadialy belongs to the great line of Kouyate griots descendent of Balla Fasseke Kouyate, the first Mandinka jali who became the official griot in the service of the emperor Sundiata Keita in the 13th century.

Being brought up in such a family of griots, he played the kora instinctively from an early age. He was raised in a large family circle of different generations from whom he acquired a great knowledge of songs based on traditional stories, the bedrock of his repertoire.

Since his arrival in the UK, Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene with his griot legacy. Kadialy has been teaching 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 has played at venues and festivals across the world, touring to Europe, Australia, North and South America.

He 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 mesmerizing compositions, leading his fantastic band into the West African groove.

His new solo instrumental album – Aado – was released on September 24 on Naxos World, a renowned classical record label.

“Senegalese kora virtuoso/singer Kadialy Kouyate showcases his fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerizing instrument, complementing it with his hauntingly, darkly beautiful voice.” -Time Out London.

“Kadialy Kouyate’s kora playing soothes the soul with its beautiful melodies and deep messages from the griot tradition of West Africa”– Nicky Crew – Penny Black Music

“Kadialy’s strong deep voice that impresses…on the Youssou N’dour-esque opener ‘Ye Nale’…” Jane Cornwell – Songline Magazine

“….admirable skill and precision.” – Songlines

“Successful piece of West African Afro-Pop with a message” – Tropicalidad.Be