Jaliba Kuyateh

Jaliba Kuyateh

• Born: 1957 in Casamance, Senegal
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actor
• Genre: Traditional African music, world music
• Label: Real World Records
• Years active: 1970s–present

Biography

Jaliba Kuyateh is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, and actor. He is a member of the Kuyateh family of griots, a caste of traditional musicians and storytellers. Kuyateh was born in Casamance, Senegal, in 1957. He began learning to play the kora, a traditional African harp, at the age of four. He later studied at the National School of Music and Dance in Dakar.

Kuyateh's music is a blend of traditional African music and contemporary world music. He has released over 20 albums, including "Nuit Magique" (1991), "Silaba" (1996), and "Kora Flamenco" (2005). He has also collaborated with a variety of artists, including Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal, and Ali Farka Touré.

In addition to his music career, Kuyateh has also acted in several films, including "Hyènes" (1992), "Guelwaar" (1992), and "Moolaadé" (2004).

Kuyateh is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Grand Prix du Disque de l'Académie Charles Cros (1991) and the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award (2005). He is also a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Personal life

Kuyateh is married and has four children. He lives in Dakar, Senegal.

Discography

• Nuit Magique (1991)
• Silaba (1996)
• Kora Flamenco (2005)
• Jaliba Kuyateh & the Kumareh Band (2008)
• Kora Music from Senegal (2012)
• Jaliba Kuyateh & the Roots Ensemble (2014)

Filmography

• Hyènes (1992)
• Guelwaar (1992)
• Moolaadé (2004)
• Tey (2012)

Awards

• Grand Prix du Disque de l'Académie Charles Cros (1991)
• BBC Radio 3 World Music Award (2005)
• Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres