YO CiTY and MAV Presents: Jali Buba Kuyateh & Afro Diyaa

In this lively performance fusing kora, bass guitar and drums, Jali Buba Kuyateh and Afro Diyaa take audiences on a journey, from when Jali was a stranger to Australia through to how this country became his home, and the important events and people in his life that have shaped him on the way.

Join Jali Buba Kuyateh and Afro Diyaa for a night of storytelling that connects people from all walks of life through the power of music.

Born in Casamance, the southern region of Senegal, Jali Buba grew up living between neighbouring countries Gambia and Senegal. He comes from the griot-famous Kuyateh family of Medina Wandifa in Senegal. A griot is a renowned West African storyteller, singer, musician and oral historian. Griots often accompany their stories and songs with music, namely the kora, and Jali Buba Kuyateh continues this tradition with his eclectic sound of African beats that are complemented by western undertones.

The kora is a stringed instrument that resembles the harp and lute, which Jali has played since he was five years old. By the time he was ten, he has already composed three songs and was destined to be an artist.

Now living in Victoria, Jali has appeared on festival line-ups around Australia including WOMADelaide, Melbourne International Arts Festival, Woodford and Port Fairy Folk Festivals. He has also performed with some of Australia’s top musicians including jazz legend Bob Sedergreen, guitarist Doug DeVries, and West African musicians Afro Moses and the Mohata brothers.

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and YO CiTY & MAV.