Take a journey across the seas with an amazing trio lead by Griot Kouyate and featuring the Kora, a 21-stringed African harp from Senegal, West Africa. These melodies are from the times of the Mandinka empire and have been preserved by Mady Kouyate and his family for centuries. Celebrate Black History month with African music and heritage that is soothing, sweet, fiery and uplifting.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Kouyate is a descendent of the Kouyate family of Dialolu, oral historians and musicians of Manding traditions that have honored West Africa for centuries, through their family tradition and artistry of music and verse that records the history of West African societies.

Since adolescence, Kouyate began the process of learning the tradition of his ancestral heritage, playing the 21-string kora. At the age of 16 he relocated to Bamako, Mali, where he continued his study of kora music and the Diali (griot) tradition with virtuoso artist, Toumani Diabate. In 1993, he began his studies of music L'Institut National des Arts (National Institute of the Arts) in Bamako, Mali.

Under Diabate's tutoring, Kouyate began his professional career at the age of 19, performing with Diabate and other great artists of the Diali tradition throughout West Africa in the countries of Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Cote d'Ivoire.

Kouyate made in his first international tour in 2000, performing in 15 states throughout the United States and since numerous appearances nationally and internationally.

Kouyate currently resides in Michigan with his wife and three children. He presently performs as a solo artist and with his ensemble, The Heat of Africa, as well as with the Kouyate Family, and the Manding Griot Ensemble.

For more information visit:
memoryofafricanculture.org
michiganhumanities.org/touring/2006_2009/music/ethnic/madykouyateheatofafrica.htm