photo by Keith Brame


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 out of the blue Trust brought him to the UK for he first time in August 2000 he has returned
frequently to the UK, and has toured Germany, Holland and Australia, as well as keeping busy in West Africa.


BAJALY SUSO IN UK, AUTUMN 2004


22nd-24th October

WHITBY MUSICPORT WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

www.musicport.fsnet.co.uk


LIVE CD NOW AVAILABLE


A CD of the most inspired of his performances at The Bongo Club in Edinburgh during Fringe 2000 is
now available. If you would like a copy, please email me: greg@outoftheblue.org.uk and I will reply
to you with details of how to buy a copy.


To email Bajaly, click here




Bajaly also has a song included on the compilation album HAND IN HAND, available from www.bibiafrica.de

 
For further information please contact
Greg Molleson, Out Of The Blue Arts & Education Trust
32 - 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG, +44 131 555 7100
greg@outoftheblue.org.uk
www.outoftheblue.org.uk