Jali Sherrifo Konteh
-
Thu 4 October 2007 // 20:00
Talk followed by 2 performances
(Thu 4th / 8pm / £5 adv)
Jali Sherrifo Konteh is a virtuoso kora player and singer from The Gambia who is clearly destined for a great future as a leading exponent of West African traditional music. From a family of highly regarded musicians (his father was Alhaji Bai Konte, musician to the first president of Gambia after it gained independence in 1956, and one of the first Gambian musicians to have his music released in Europe and America), he has had music in his blood from the day he was born.
The kora has been described as Africa's greatest musical instrument. The earliest references to it date back to the eighteenth century though it may be older. It is unique to the Manding people of West Africa. In recent years the instrument has become more widely known through the playing of some remarkable virtuosos, nearly all of whom come from the "jali" or "griot" families.
These are the hereditary orators, musicians and singers who have played such a vital role in their societies over the centuries, recording orally the history and genealogy of their people, noting customs, laws, archives and composing songs honouring famous figures. They were able to promote a realisation and awareness of a rich historical heritage that can be traced back to the great Manding king Sunjata Keita who ruled over the huge Empire of Mali in the 13th century.
Sherrifo comes from one the most famous of the jali families from a town that is the home of many griot families. All his life he has been steeped in this rich tradition. He has a highly developed and inventive technique playing the kora which scintillates and sparkles and compliments his commanding raw singing. Some of his songs reflect the long tradition that he is a continuing part of; others comment on contemporary social mores. He performs them all with a passion and commitment that make them truly engaging listening.
Sherrifo will give a talk about his music and heritage, followed by two live performances. DJs in the bar.
www.myspace.com/jalisherrifokonteh
(Thu 4th / 8pm / £5 adv)
Jali Sherrifo Konteh is a virtuoso kora player and singer from The Gambia who is clearly destined for a great future as a leading exponent of West African traditional music. From a family of highly regarded musicians (his father was Alhaji Bai Konte, musician to the first president of Gambia after it gained independence in 1956, and one of the first Gambian musicians to have his music released in Europe and America), he has had music in his blood from the day he was born.
The kora has been described as Africa's greatest musical instrument. The earliest references to it date back to the eighteenth century though it may be older. It is unique to the Manding people of West Africa. In recent years the instrument has become more widely known through the playing of some remarkable virtuosos, nearly all of whom come from the "jali" or "griot" families.
These are the hereditary orators, musicians and singers who have played such a vital role in their societies over the centuries, recording orally the history and genealogy of their people, noting customs, laws, archives and composing songs honouring famous figures. They were able to promote a realisation and awareness of a rich historical heritage that can be traced back to the great Manding king Sunjata Keita who ruled over the huge Empire of Mali in the 13th century.
Sherrifo comes from one the most famous of the jali families from a town that is the home of many griot families. All his life he has been steeped in this rich tradition. He has a highly developed and inventive technique playing the kora which scintillates and sparkles and compliments his commanding raw singing. Some of his songs reflect the long tradition that he is a continuing part of; others comment on contemporary social mores. He performs them all with a passion and commitment that make them truly engaging listening.
Sherrifo will give a talk about his music and heritage, followed by two live performances. DJs in the bar.
www.myspace.com/jalisherrifokonteh