Griot & Master Kora Musician

Morikeba's story is a legend that began more than 700 years ago with his Ancestors. The Griot, or Jali, is the "Carrier of the Oral Tradition" and composed of Griot families among the Mandinka people. First of these families was the Kouyate family. Those histories and oral traditions were, and still are, passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. There are very few families left, but they can be recognized by their last names: Kouyaté, Suso, Djébaté, Konée, Kanuteh, and Sako. To truly be a Griot, you have to be born into a Griot family.

Morikéba Kouyaté is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying performances and virtuosity with the traditional the Kora. The Kora is a 21- string instrument from the West African countries of The Gambia, Senegal, and Mali. It is an ancient instrument that is part of Africa's rich spiritual music tradition.
Morikéba Kouyaté was born and raised into a family of Griots, or Jalis, in Bounkiling Senegal. He began his training at the age of eight and was performing professionally by the age of fourteen. He became successful and well-known for his expert storytelling and Kora playing. As a result of his success, Morikeba was given the opportunity to have his own radio program in Dakar, Senegal. His show was aired throughout Senegal and several other African countries. He also made numerous appearances on Senegalese television. Morikeba Kouyate has played before African royalty and the Presidents of several countries, including Senegal and The Gambia. Morikeba Kouyate is a recipient of a 2002 Illinois Arts Council grant for the Master-Apprentice Program; a 2003-2005 Illinois Arts Council Artstour artist; and a recipient of a 2003 City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) grant. Additionally, Morikeba has given workshops around the country and has taught/performed at Harvard, DePaul,Northwestern,Xavier, and many other universities. Mr. Kouyate performs year-round throughout the United States and currently resides in New Orleans.

More on Kouyate: http://morikebakoragriot.tripod.com/