The griot singer and kora player showcases a mixture of traditional and original music with virtuosic flair, as he performs with his trio.
KADIALY KOUYATE
“Senegalese kora virtuoso/singer Kadialy Kouyaté showcases his fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerizing instrument, complementing it with his hauntingly, darkly beautiful voice.” - Time Out London
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy Kouyate’s kora playing and singing style, both as a soloist and in different ensembles, have been appreciated in many prestigious venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the 02 Arena, the National Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall and Clarence House. Kadialy has also played venues and festivals across the world, touring to Europe, Australia and North America.
Since his arrival in the UK, Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene with his griot legacy. Kadialy has taught the kora at SOAS, University of London for the last decade and he has also been involved in countless musical projects both as a collaborator and a session musician. He toured with the RSC’s production of Julius Caesar and other theatre projects include working at the London Globe Theatre on a show called We the People as well as touring three children theatre projects with the renowned Oily Cart.
In 2015 he took part in the remaking of the TV series Roots as a musician, cultural consultant and dialect coach. Kadialy has released several albums, and makes regular radio and television appearances.
With his Sound Archive, Kadialy Kouyate draws on his heritage and its traditional songs to create his own mesmerising compositions, leading his fantastic band into the West African groove.
His latest album 'Nemo' meaning Blessings in Mandinka was released in April 2020 and has won rave reviews from the press. Nemo was recently selected Top of The World in the July 2020 issue of the Songlines Magazine.
"Kadialy's strong deep voice that impresses...on the Youssou N'dour-esque opener 'Ye Nale'" - Jane Cornwell, Songlines Magazine
"It’s great to hear Kadialy Kouyate firmly back in his own Mandinka territory. This album Na Kitabo (My Book) by the kora player and singer is rooted in his own Senégalese tradition and has all the hallmarks of a classic in the making. The themes of the songs counteract humanity’s current obsession with negativity in the world and focus instead on happiness." - Rhythm Passport
“Admirable skill and precision” – Songlines #125
MODOU TOURE
Heir of the legendary group Touré Kunda, the first African group to achieve worldwide fame in the 1980s, Modou Toure was born into music. His voice strikingly echoes that of his father, Ousmane Toure, who was the inspiration for his choice of career.
Passionate about music from a tender age, he was to be found regularly singing up a storm and playing the drums under his neighbours’ windows in the modest district of HLM4 in Dakar, where he spent his childhood.
At 14, he took his first steps as a musician, playing percussion and singing backing vocals in local groups. He dreamt of making music his career, despite the difficult socio-economic context in Dakar. Far from discouraging him, this period forged his determination of character, which has carried him serenely along the path he has chosen.
In 1996, during a rehearsal session with his father while visiting Dakar, he decided to confide in him and reveal his passion for music. It was the first time his father had heard him sing. He was very moved and it was not without some pride that he gave his son his blessing and encouraged him to continue to follow his passion, taking care to stay open to the world.
In 2000, Modou founded his first group - Telo - and also played with young local groups such as Elendo and Melokaan. From 2003 he began practicing the guitar, which later became his main performance instrument.
In June 2007, he made his first trip toEurope, to London fora tour with the group Melokaan Dakar. After several trips between Dakar and London, Modou Toure decided to settle in London and began an international career. There, he met the group Lolou, with which he toured extensively in the UK up to 2011. During this time, he met many interesting people, encounters that would prove crucial in his career. Thanks to a remarkable stage presence, he has enraptured audiences at many major events such as the Festival O'yé Africa where he has played several times, but also at many clubs in London, Liverpool and beyond.
In 2012, Modou Toure met the English bluesman Ramon Goose, and the connection was immediate. A joint project emerged and following a series of concerts in clubs and at festivals (Womad, Momo's, RichMix...), the album The West African Project was produced in 2015. The haunting voice of Modou glides effortlessly on the riffs of Ramon’s guitar, the symbiosis between the two artists is perfect.
Released by Arc Music and Mixed Music the album is a huge success in the US and Europe.
Between touring and various projects, Modou Toure (author, composer and multi-instrumentalist) is gradually refining his own personal project, with maturity and method. It will undoubtedly be a synthesis of his artistic career, open to the sounds of the world.
In September 2015, he began recording his first album in collaboration with drummer and percussionist Papis Diongue, who brings to his work the groove he has always wanted to incorporate into his compositions. The 13 tracks set the tone for a new, very contemporary musical adventure, and bear witness to a beautiful encounter between Africa and the West.
For Modou, looking for beautiful melodies is the "center of gravity" of his compositions. This inspires his lyrics (in Wolof, Mandingo, Soninke or English) and his music. He sings evocatively of the ills of modern society, the teachings of the elders, friendship and romantic relationships, hope etc.
His ultimate finesse, his pure and sharp guitar playing harmoniously introduces drums, bass, percussion and the electric guitar. Using highly groovy rhythms, sometimes afrobeat, pop-rock or funk, Modou reveals the power and beauty of his sublime voice, carrying us from Dakar to London via Paris and back! The album, currently being finalized, will be available in 2022.
About This Event
Since our first season in 2013, our event at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden has always inspired audiences in a unique and thrilling way. This season of events captures the essence of a weekend rural festival in the centre of Dalston on a Tuesday evening.
The phenomenal surrounds of the garden combine with delicious pizzas from David Latto, and a supreme and ever-evolving roster of acts, to create a magical atmosphere which brings people together in a friendly and welcoming space.
It's a community of music-lovers joined to celebrate the warm months in a carefree and supportive atmosphere, with a compelling live soundtrack.
