The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is presenting internationally acclaimed balafon player Balla Kouyaté in a free performance on Saturday, July 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the museum. Kouyaté's instrument, the balafon, is a West African ancestor of the marimba and the first instrument of the Mande Empire. The public is invited.
Photo: Balla Kouyaté
The balafon, also ancestor of the xylophone, was given to Kouyaté's ancestors by nobles in the 13th century and has remained in his family ever since.
Kouyaté is considered to be among the greatest balafon players from the Djeli or Griot tradition in Mali. In the African tradition, the Djeli is an historian, musician, dancer and performer who embodies the culture of his people.
The Kouyaté clan is recognized as the first Djeli family. Through the traditions of classical art, music, and dance, the great achievements of the ancestors are recounted. Through contemporary music and dance, the Djelis honor the contributions of those now with us. They effectively use the performing arts to teach values and history.
Kouyaté seemed destined to play this instrument, beginning his formal learning at the age of six. He performed for the first time in Bamako, Mali at Palais de la Culture with Malian singer Sanignai Kouyaté. In 1994, he was a member of the renowned Ensemble Nationale du Mali. By 1997 he was granted the opportunity to play with singer Ami Koïta at the OIA conference, which brought together 27 African presidents.
Kouyaté has been called on to play with many African artists touring in the United States and his superior musicianship has been featured on at least 45 albums. He has worked extensively with kora master Mamadou Diabaté playing Lincoln Center Outdoor Festival, Symphony Space and festivals around the country. In 2004, Kouyaté played with Sidiki Condé at Carnegie Hall for a month-long residency for children. Kouyaté also worked with Sidiki doing residencies in Florida and Minnesota in 2004, 2006 and 2008 with the VSA Arts organizations for people with various disabilities.
It is both melodic and percussive, both sweet and powerful in its ability to move you. Experience the joy of life expressed in this instrument!
This is one of just two performances given in New Mexico, the only performance in Albuquerque. The event is part of the museum’s “Life and Art Series.” It is sponsored by the City of Albuquerque Urban Enhancement Trust Fund and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.
For more information about the performance, please contact: Mary Beth Hermans at (505) 277-1400.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at June 29, 2009 11:34 AM