Bajaly Suso - A kora player from Gambia - Kongoi Media Productions. Artists and musicians online promotion

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Bajaly Suso - A kora player from Gambia

Bajaly Suso

Bajaly Suso, from The Gambia, is a kora player and singer of the Griot caste, hereditary storytellers, musicians, artists and historians of the West African Mandinka empire. Bajaly has inherited the tradition of the kora from his father, who in turn learnt from his father, and so on from the first known kora player, Moussa Suso, his ancestor. And so the story goes.

Bajaly's musicianship is exceptional. His kora playing is fast and furious, while retaining grace and beauty in the music. Bajaly is at one with his instrument, and he improvises without effort, both as an instrumentalist and as a singer. Bajaly's skill is flawless, his fingers are a blur when he is playing, and with the accompaniment of his deep voice, delivering the song with charm and conviction, his performances are simultaneously meditational, through the beauty of the music, and exciting, through the sheer speed and attack with which he plays.

Bajaly sings ancient songs relaying the history of Mandinka West Africa, as well as original songs both based on traditional themes such as stories of ancient battles or historical figures, and about contemporary life, even including the events of today, making every performance unique.

Bajaly is a charismatic performer, who engages well with the audience, drawing us into the world of Mandinka kora by explaining his traditional song texts, and by describing the instrument, it's history, and his country. His is an enchanting, beautiful, memorable performance that draws warm appreciation from the audience.

Since out of the blue Trust brought him to the UK for he first time in August 2000 Bajaly has returned frequently to the UK, and has toured Germany, Holland and Australia, as well as keeping busy in West Africa.

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