papafrog
02-17-2009, 11:12 PM
Ive been really honored to make friends with a Kora Griot (master) from
Senegal recently we are doing some music together, and it
looks like he may move to nawlins soon....Heres a some info
on upcoming events. with Morikeba Kouyate ...and a little about the Kora..
Wednesday 2/18/09, 11:30am...WWOZ radio George Ingmire hosts
New Orleans Music Show......wwoz.org
Saturday night, 2/21/09 .. Midnight
@ Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St.
with Mario Abney (trumpet) and his dynamic band.
Sunday night, 2/22/09
@ Hookah Café, 500 Frenchmen St.
with Govt. Majik 9pm.
more info:
morikebakoragriot.tripod.com
africandrumandance.com
contact: papafrog9@gmail.com
Morikeba Kouyate is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying
performances and virtuosity with the traditional African stringed
instrument, the Kora.
Morikeba Kouyate was born and raised into a family of Griots, or
Jalis, in Bounkiling Senegal. He began his training at the age of
eight and was performing professionally by the age of fourteen. He
became successful and well-known for his expert storytelling and Kora
playing. As a result of his success, Morikeba was given the
opportunity to have his own radio program in Dakar. His show was aired
throughout Senegal and several other African countries. He also made
numerous appearances on Senegalese television. Morikeba Kouyate has
played before African royalty and the Presidents of several countries,
including Senegal and The Gambia.
Morikeba Kouyate is a recipient of a 2002 Illinois Arts Council grant
for the Master-Apprentice Program; a 2003-2005 Illinois Arts Council
Artstour artist; and a recipient of a 2003 City of Chicago, Department
of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) grant.
The Griot and The Kora
Morikeba's story is a legend that began more than 700 years ago with
his Ancestors. The Griot, or Jali, is the "Carrier of the Oral
Tradition" and composed of Griot families among the Mandinka people.
First of these families was the Kouyate family. Those histories and
oral traditions were, and still are, passed down from generation to
generation for hundreds of years. There are very few families left,
but they can be recognized by their last names: Kouyate, Suso,
Djebate, Konte, Kanuteh, and Sako. To truly be a Griot, you have to be
born into a Griot family.
Music is an extremely important part of African tradition and culture.
The Kora is a 21- string instrument from the West African countries of
The Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea. It is an ancient instrument that
is part of Africa's rich spiritual music tradition.
The Kora is made out of a large gourd or calabash, which grows like a
pumpkin. The body of the Kora is covered with a cowhide. The
instrument has a long pole, which leather is attached to. Each of the
21 strings is attached to a leather ring on the pole. Morikeba, also a
master craftsman, has extended the normal 21-string Kora to 24
strings. The Griot, or Jali, has other instruments besides the Kora,
but it remains the major instrument. The Kora was invented by its
first player, Jalimadi Suso.
Mr. Kouyate is accepting Kora, and other string instrument students in
New Orleans. He is hoping to move to new orleans by June, but will
definitely
be here thru Mardi Gras (feb.25th) and for the month of april. He is
available for performances, workshops,classes...etc...
please contact:papafrog9@gmail.com
many thanks!!
Senegal recently we are doing some music together, and it
looks like he may move to nawlins soon....Heres a some info
on upcoming events. with Morikeba Kouyate ...and a little about the Kora..
Wednesday 2/18/09, 11:30am...WWOZ radio George Ingmire hosts
New Orleans Music Show......wwoz.org
Saturday night, 2/21/09 .. Midnight
@ Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St.
with Mario Abney (trumpet) and his dynamic band.
Sunday night, 2/22/09
@ Hookah Café, 500 Frenchmen St.
with Govt. Majik 9pm.
more info:
morikebakoragriot.tripod.com
africandrumandance.com
contact: papafrog9@gmail.com
Morikeba Kouyate is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying
performances and virtuosity with the traditional African stringed
instrument, the Kora.
Morikeba Kouyate was born and raised into a family of Griots, or
Jalis, in Bounkiling Senegal. He began his training at the age of
eight and was performing professionally by the age of fourteen. He
became successful and well-known for his expert storytelling and Kora
playing. As a result of his success, Morikeba was given the
opportunity to have his own radio program in Dakar. His show was aired
throughout Senegal and several other African countries. He also made
numerous appearances on Senegalese television. Morikeba Kouyate has
played before African royalty and the Presidents of several countries,
including Senegal and The Gambia.
Morikeba Kouyate is a recipient of a 2002 Illinois Arts Council grant
for the Master-Apprentice Program; a 2003-2005 Illinois Arts Council
Artstour artist; and a recipient of a 2003 City of Chicago, Department
of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) grant.
The Griot and The Kora
Morikeba's story is a legend that began more than 700 years ago with
his Ancestors. The Griot, or Jali, is the "Carrier of the Oral
Tradition" and composed of Griot families among the Mandinka people.
First of these families was the Kouyate family. Those histories and
oral traditions were, and still are, passed down from generation to
generation for hundreds of years. There are very few families left,
but they can be recognized by their last names: Kouyate, Suso,
Djebate, Konte, Kanuteh, and Sako. To truly be a Griot, you have to be
born into a Griot family.
Music is an extremely important part of African tradition and culture.
The Kora is a 21- string instrument from the West African countries of
The Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea. It is an ancient instrument that
is part of Africa's rich spiritual music tradition.
The Kora is made out of a large gourd or calabash, which grows like a
pumpkin. The body of the Kora is covered with a cowhide. The
instrument has a long pole, which leather is attached to. Each of the
21 strings is attached to a leather ring on the pole. Morikeba, also a
master craftsman, has extended the normal 21-string Kora to 24
strings. The Griot, or Jali, has other instruments besides the Kora,
but it remains the major instrument. The Kora was invented by its
first player, Jalimadi Suso.
Mr. Kouyate is accepting Kora, and other string instrument students in
New Orleans. He is hoping to move to new orleans by June, but will
definitely
be here thru Mardi Gras (feb.25th) and for the month of april. He is
available for performances, workshops,classes...etc...
please contact:papafrog9@gmail.com
many thanks!!