 Biography:
The artist Jaliba
Kuyateh, often known as the "King of The Kora", has made
the ancient and very traditional Mande music of the Mandinka into
what is sometimes called call kora pop. The Kora maestro with his
group, the Kumareh Band, Kuyateh continues to unite the
old and modern worlds with his exciting, uplifting
performances.
Jaliba, who can trace his roots back to Mali, is the son of
Kebba Sunti Kuyateh (also a Kora player) and Bakoto Mbye. He began playing the
21-stringed instrument early in life at the tender age of
five.
Although he showed talent on the instrument, he
stopped playing after two years in order to commence his
primary school education. He returned to playing the
Kora
in 1977, while he was at the Gambia Teachers Training
College. After graduation he was assigned to teach
mathematics at Brikama Primary School. In 1979 he
formed a traditional band called the Jaliba & Group. The group soon got big fame, and songs
like "Tesito Be Gambia " and "Kaira Silo Mang jara fa"
(the road to peace is never too long) shone the torch-light
on them.
Although he studied other traditional instruments during a
course break from school in 1986, music remained more of a pastime. While he
continued to play with his band, Kuyateh began working with
the Ministry of Education, youth, sports, and culture
following his graduation in 1991.
Kuyateh's love of music
proved irresistible. Within a year, he voluntarily retired
from his government job and turned his full-time attention
to music. With only two members of his band agreeing to
continue working with him, Kuyateh formed the group as the Kumareh Band. The group's success came quickly. In addition
to touring France in 1993 and Spain, Kuyateh & his group
released their debut album, "Radio Kantang", in 1993. The
album sold more than 15,000 copies. Two albums, "Dajukah" and
"Tissoli" (Sneeze), followed in 1994. Following the release of their
fourth album, Hera "Banku", in 1995, Kuyateh & the Kumareh
Band toured the US releasing another album entitled "Live in
America".
In 1996, the album, "Gambia Third Day" was
released. 1997 was a
concert year for the band. They were engaged in chains of
concerts and the next album entitled "Njai Kunda" came in 1998.
On the 3rd of May, 1999, he released his 8th album entitled "Fankanta"
into the music market. It included tracks such as FAO (Telefood),
Fankanta, Lottery, Zone 2, Pop FLE, Kanu Badingya, and Saabo
and Family.
In March 2001 the he released an album in cassette
volumes one and two, and in CD which were promoted by Oko
Drammeh.
In February 2002 he toured the
US including the One World Theatre Austin, Texas. Other
albums by
 Jaliba Kuyateh followed culminating in Sosolaso and Sabarla
released in 2009.
On the 4th July 2007 Jaliba was awarded a certificate of
recognition from the Brufut Marathon Run Association (BMRA)
for his outstanding contribution in promoting Gambia culture
through music Kora.
During his leisure time he listens to
mostly Guinean & Fula music
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Links:
Video
Website
Discography:
• Radio Kantang: 1993
• Tissoli: 1994, Dajukah: 1994
• Live in America:1995, Hera Banku:1995
• Gambia 3rd Day: 1996
• Njai Kunda: 1998
• Fan Kanta: 1999
• Best Of Jaliba Kuyateh: 2000
• Sosolaso and Sabarla: 2009
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