Jaliya Siiloo offers master workshops in ancient music of the Kora and Mandinka

praise singing. This tradition, which is very much alive and very important part of the Mandinka people in Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso has had huge influence on the modern music of these countries. 

The Kora the ancient African harp, which has been played and enjoyed for over a

thousand years, is a most enchanting of instruments. Its soothing, soulful and angelic melodies resonate deep within the listener. The KORA is truly an instrument of peace and meditation.

The Mandinka praise songs are as old as the Kora they accompany. These beautiful songs sang in the Mandinka language are not only historical and mythological accounts of the Mandinka kings and warriors but also serve as pedagogical tools, which impart the moral and spiritual wisdom of the Mandinka people.

The Kora coupled with the Mandinka praise songs is truly a wonderful experience.

In the world where so much music is manufactured electronic noise, the music of the ancient Mandinka griots is a necessary alternative.

Jali kebba Kuyateh, the master teacher of the Jaliya Siiloo workshops, is a living griot and a highly competent and experienced teacher.

Jalikebba Kuyateh was born into the Kuyateh griot family in Brikama, The Gambia.

The Kuyatehs were the earliest griots of the Mandinka people and were the historians of the ancient Malian kings. Their rich traditions of the Kora, Balafon and praise songs have been passed from father to son for over a thousand years. Jalikebba is a living griot, is an expert Kora player, praise singer and song writer. He sings the traditional songs that his ancestors sang at the courts of the powerful Mandinka kings centuries ago.

Jalikebba is the head of the Jali Kebba and Group, a band, which fuses traditional and modern African music. The culmination is an exciting, vibrant and soulful genre of modern African music. The band offers exciting and lively entertainment and is a joy to experience live.

They perform throughout the Gambia at festivals, cultural events and tourists' venues. If you are in the Gambia check out the band, you won't be disappointed. He is an excellent teacher who possesses the natural ability and disposition to draw out the talents of most incompetent and least talented novices. His simplified teacher methods allow the novice of the Kora to play ancient melodies within a few days if not hours. He is a very patient and empathetic teacher who respects his students and supports their progress. He truly lives by his motto 'The students success is my concern'.

If you want to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the Mandinka people and learn the Kora from a professional teacher then enrolling on a course at Jaliya Siiloo will be a truly rewarding experience. Experience the wonder of the Kora, Mandinka praise singing at Jaliya Siiloo in February, May and October.

Private tuition may also be arranged.

Hurry before spaces are booked!!

Call: 00220-7711201

Email: jalikebs_9@hotmail.com or jalev2006@hotmail.com