Mady Kouyate

Mady Kouyate's instrument of choice is the kora, a 21-stringed lute-harp from the regions of Mali, Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. Born in Dakar, Senegal, and a descendent of the Kouyate family of Dialolu, griots (oral historians and musicians, similar to bards) of Manding people in the region of Mali, West Africa. Through their family tradition and artistry of music and verse that records the history of West African societies. At the age of 16 he relocated to Bamako,Mali an apprentice of Toumani Diabate, the Malian kora player whose musical lineage goes back 73 generations. At the age of 19, Mady Kouyate began his professional career under Diabate's guidance, performing with Diabate and other great artists of the Diali tradition throughout West Africa in the countries of Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Cote d'Ivoire. He made in his first international tour in 2000, performing in 15 states throughout the United States. Since then, he has made numerous appearances throughout the mid United States where he currently resides with his wife and two children.