For more information, visit the concert's kultour website entry here.
JALI BUBA KUYATEH
Jali Buba Kuyateh was born in Sanyang, The Gambia and has lived alternatively in Senegal and The Gambia. He was born into the famous Kuyateh family, a traditional Griot family (career musician) of West Africa.
The kora is a 21 or 22 stringed instrument from the Mandinkan culture of West Africa.
It is played by hereditary musicians called Jalis.
They are the oral historians who pass down their culture through their music and are present at every important ceremony.
Jali Buba Kuyateh represents the very best of the Mandinkan tradition.
Jali Buba has applied his kora to the Afro Manding styles, soukous of Mali and Guinee Conakry, the mbalax made so popular by Youssou N'dour, reggae, salsa, jazz and the blues.
He has played with Groupe Sop Xadim in Dakar, Baaba Maal's second group Dandelenyool with Baaba Maal's younger brother Ahmed Maal, Groupe Dia in Dakar, Groupe Buntaloo in Dakar, the famous Fisco Band and Foriyaa in The Gambia.
He also plays with the Roots Kunta Kinteh Band and 5 Star Band in The Gambia.
DIYAA LOOLOO
Whilst Jali is a highly accomplished solo performer he also plays with his band Diyaa Looloo.
Diyaa Looloo are a polished group of performers who have toured around Australia and individually overseas.
Karamba, of Diyaa Looloo, is also from a Griot family in West Africa while Lamine has danced as a soloist with Senegalese group Ballet Fambondy and also performs as a vocalist and percussionist.
Both have toured around Australia, Europe and West Africa.
Nigel MacLean, the fourth member of Diyaa Looloo, is a well respected musician, based in regional Victoria who has toured extensively in Australia and neighbouring countries.
He uses his Western skills to complement an African style, and at times creates a contemporary feel for the group, bringing together timeless traditional music with a modern approach.
kultour TOURING DATES
Touring to: WA: Fremantle, Karratha, Carnarvon, Tom Price, Newman, Port Hedland, Broome, VIC: Knox, NT: Darwin, Yarralin, Katherine, QLD: Mackay, Bribane, Lismore NSW: Sydney ACT: Tuggeranong SA: Nexus
WA
