amadinda

Bajaly Suso

"Bajaly Suso, from The Gambia, is a kora player and singer of the Griot caste, hereditary storytellers, musicians, artists and historians of the West African Mandinka empire. He has inherited the tradition of the kora from his father, who in turn learnt from his father, & so on from the first known kora player, Moussa Suso, his ancestor.

Bajaly's musicianship is exceptional. His playing is fast and furious, while retaining grace and beauty in the music. He is at one with his instrument, and he improvises without effort, both as an instrumentalist and as a singer. His skill is flawless, his fingers are a blur when he is playing, and with the accompaniment of his deep voice, delivering the song with charm and conviction, his performances are simultaneously meditational, through the beauty of the music, and exciting, through the sheer speed and attack with which he plays.

He sings ancient songs relaying the history of Mandinka West Africa, as well as original songs both based on traditional themes such as stories of ancient battles or historical figures, and about contemporary life, even including the events of today, making every performance unique.

He is a charismatic performer, who engages well with the audience, drawing us into the world of Mandinka kora by explaining his traditional song texts, and by describing the instrument, it's history, and his country. His is an enchanting, beautiful, memorable performance that draws warm appreciation from the audience.

Since he toured in the UK for he first time in August 2000 he has returned frequently, and has toured Germany, Holland and Australia, as well as keeping busy in West Africa."

(Greg Molleson, Out of the Blue, Edinburgh 2000)

CD Recordings

Live at the Bongo Club (Edinburgh, UK, 2000)
Kairaba - songs from the Kora (Canberra, Australia, 2002) sample track

Bookings

Bajaly is currently organising a UK tour for 2007. If you are interested in booking him, please email Bajaly directly: artsdepartment56@yahoo.co.uk