The Malian Griot in the modern era.

Article published in Think Africa Press.

http://thinkafricapress.com/mali/griot-modern-era

The Malian Griot in the Modern Era

Interview with Malian musician, Bassekou Kouyate, at The Sugar Club, Dublin.
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Bassekou Kouyate in concert, playing his ngoni. Photograph taken by Michal Jaskolski in 2009.

Dublin, Ireland:

As a big fan of Malian music, it is always a pleasure to have an opportunity to meet one of the greats. I have always been humbled by their approachability and the everyday things that they want to talk about, if given the chance. In this sense Bassekou Kouyate was no different. As he lay back in the cupped jazz club style seating of the Sugar Club in Dublin, I greeted him with my one and only Fulani word, ‘Jarama’, to which he replied in a stream of Fula. Read more

Sierra Leone: A Bitter Past to a Bright Future? A pre-concert panel discussion

When Wednesday, 23 January 2013, 6.30 – 7.30 pm
Where National Concert Hall, Carolan Room
Admission Free, but please RSVP by contacting [email protected]

Organised by Paul McElhatton, this fascinating panel discussion seeks to expand on the Waltons World Masters – Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars performance by exploring some of the contemporary issues that shape the social and political commentary of their music. The panel brings together a group of journalists, academics, charities and Sierra Leoneans resident in Ireland. Read more