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Griot & Master Kora Musician
"The
Kora is a gift from God.
Morikeba Kouyate 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. Currently, Morikeba is planning an upcoming
trip to his native Senegal and nearby Mali for research on the oral histories
and musical traditions of the Manding peoples. Morikeba Kouyate performs year-round
throughout the United States. Since 1991, Morikeba has resided in Chicago,
Illinois and has become known as,
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.
Past
Performance Venues & Guest Performances Morikeba Kouyate performs regularly
throughout the United States.
Morikeba Kouyate has appeared as a special
guest performer for several Chicago-based, national and international companies
and performers:
Photo
Gallery and Rave Reviews Morikeba Kouyate often travels across
the country giving lectures, workshops and performances. View the Photo
Gallery to see photos from some of his engagements, including his
intimate performances at Chicago's Ethio Café. Also, visit his Rave
Reviews page to read what visitors to Ethio Café think of
this talented artist and his dynamic performance.
Morikeba Kouyate has recorded two CDs
and is currently in the studio working on a third project. Purchase your
copy of M'fake today!
Jali Morikeba Kouyate is available for
national and international performances, lectures and workshops.
For bookings, performance dates, or press material write, call or email: Mr Jeff 'Papafrog' Klein |
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