Traditional African music in Pilton

By [rrothery]

Jali Fily Cissokho Pilton Hall, Barnstaple Saturday November 7, 7.30pm

AFRICAN music fit for emperors and kings will fill Pilton Hall in November.

Kora player and singer Jali Fily, who hails from South Senegal is a Griot — a professional hereditary musician whose ancestors once advised and entertained the emperors and Kings Of Mali. Over the past 4,000 years, via their oral traditions, the Griots have handed down the knowledge, culture and history of the Mande people.

Fily was born into a famous family of Griots, called Cissokho, and was taught to play the kora (a 21 string African harp) at the age of six. His mother, singer Bintou Konte Cissokho, gave him the historical stories and songs. Soon after he performed at local ceremonies in the region. At the age of 13 he formed his own group and later worked as a solo artist throughout Southern Senegal. His compositions and skilful mixing of rhythms of South and North Senegal took him to the capital Dakar where his performances blended traditional skills with modern sounds.

He now lives in the UK and this is a great chance to hear his ancient spiritual music.

Tickets £7 from 01271 373392 or from Pilton Stores.