Kadialy Kouyate & Sound Archive

Home

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Born into the great line of Kouyate griots in Southern Senegal, Kadialy Kouyate was clearly destined to become a musician. Kadialy draws on his West African heritage and its traditional songs to create his own mesmerising compositions.

With his UK-based band 'Sound Archive' he blends melodious lines from the kora into a multi-layered tonal palette that is complimented by the rest of the band - Fred Thomas on double bass, Lucy Railton on cello and Ben Bryant on percussion.

The Sound Archive's first album Londo (Wisdom) was released on the 14th of November. In Londo, the group's unique combination of instruments blends together sounds from around the world into one gorgeous package that is at once hauntingly beautiful yet highly danceable.

Now well-established in London, Kadialy's mesmerizing Kora playing and singing style have been welcomed in many prestigious venues: the Globe Theatre, Westminster Hall, the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, the British Museum, O2 Arena, Union Chapel, WOMAD amongst others. He has given numerous BBC broadcasts - including performances on Radio 3's 'World Routes' and Charlie Gillett's 'World of Music'. In November 2008, Kadialy Kouyate represented the Kora for the first time at the "2do Festival Mundial Del Arpa" in Paraguay.

Kadialy's commitment to young people is something which characterises his musical life. Introducing kora teaching to SOAS was a first for any UK University. In fact his work at SOAS has become an integral part of the African Studies programme.