KADIALY KOUYAYE: 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 ensembles – has 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 played venues and festivals across the world, with extensive tours in Europe, Australia, Asia, as well as North and South America.
Since arriving in the UK, Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene with his griot legacy. Kadialy has taught the kora (a traditional instrument with 21 strings) at SOAS for the last decade. In this time, he has contributed to countless musical projects as a collaborator and a session musician. He has toured with theatre projects with the London Globe Theatre, renowned children and sensory theatre company Oily Cart, and RSC’s production of Julius Caesar. In 2015 he took part in the remaking of the TV series Roots as a musician, cultural consultant, and dialect coach.
Kadialy makes regular appearances on radio and television and has released several albums. He released his latest album in March. “Terri Kunda” – House of Friendship – is a collaboration with Gao Hong, director of the Chinese Music Ensemble and senior lecturer in Chinese musical instruments at Carleton University, USA. The album has already attracted outstanding accolades including two gold medals at the Global Music Awards for best duo and instrumentalist album: Gold Winners Global Music Award, and a 5-star rating from prestigious world music magazine Songlines Magazine.
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.
Doors open 7pm. Music starts 8.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
