Aado: Senegalese Kora Kadialy Kouyate

• 1 Daña 05:42
• 2 Diyanamo 05:49
• 3 Thiosano 05:11
• 4 Djiko 05:35
• 5 Buña 07:08
• 6 Kontondiro 05:30
• 7 Sora 04:59
• 8 Nganiyo 05:06
• 9 Janjon Ba 05:45
• Total Runtime 50:45

Info for Aado: Senegalese Kora

In Senegalese society, aado stands for moral customs and values. In this album, Kadialy Kouyate’s enchanting music touches on those principles and reflects on Mandinka culture.

As a musician and songwriter born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy’s mesmerising kora playing embraces the art of storytelling, via the 21-stringed kora, and draws on heritage to inspire new, uplifting compositions.

Kadialy’s captivating kora skills originate from his long family history of Kouyate griots. Born in southern Senegal, into a vibrant Mandinka culture, he instinctively picked up the traditional griot repertoire. Embracing the art of traditional storytelling, via the 21-stringed kora, he soon became known as an acclaimed musician, singer and songwriter. Today, he draws on his past heritage for inspiration while creating his own hypnotic and uplifting compositions.

Wanting to pass the tradition on to new generations, he began teaching the kora at Dakar University and at the West African Research Centre in Senegal. He continued this passion when he moved to London, teaching at SOAS University of London, where he still tutors today.

Since his arrival in the UK, he has enriched the London musical scene with his griot legacy by getting involved in countless musical projects. Such collaborations include working with Mumford & Sons and Baaba Maal, the multicultural fusion group Rafiki Jazz, Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale and Venezuelan harpist Leonard Jacome.

Kadialy has performed at many prestigious venues such as The Royal Festival Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena. He has also played festivals across the world while touring Europe, Canada, Australia and North and South America.

“Peaceful ethereal and yet highly melodic rhythms which I truly love.” – The Folk Roots

“Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene.” – The Nest Collective

“Beautiful melodies and deep messages that soothe the soul.” – Penny Black Music

Kadialy Kouyate, kora

AADO
In Mandinka culture, certain principles are held in high regard among the community. These core foundations run throughout the album as a reminder of the important values needed within ourselves and our society: the positive qualities of individual personality; respect and consideration for those around you; the generosity and joy of hospitality (a tradition also known in Wolof as teranga); the art and culture of the griot, as heard in Sora, celebrating the Cissokho family, one of the most highly regarded griot families. Kouyate also pays homage to the great warrior Fakoli in the track Janjon Ba. Fakoli joined the ranks of Sunjata Keita in the 13th century and was renowned for his bravery. The Fakoli rhythm is now played for reputable leaders and those who have done good deeds.

Kadialy Kouyate
Wanting to pass the tradition on to new generations, he began teaching the kora at Dakar University and at the West African Research Centre in Senegal. He continued this passion when he moved to London, teaching at SOAS University of London, where he still tutors today. Since his arrival in the UK, he has been involved in countless musical projects. Such collaborations include working with Mumford & Sons and Baaba Maal, the multicultural fusion group Rafiki Jazz, Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale and Venezuelan harpist Leonard Jacome. Kadialy has performed at many prestigious venues such as The Royal Festival Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena. He has performed at festivals across the world while touring Europe, Canada, Australia and North and South America.

Booklet for Aado: Senegalese Kora