Oct 4
The Sundiata Epic a performance work-in-progress with WASSA KOUYATE (kora) and featuring Carleton's own CHERIF KEITA
The residency features Wassa Kouyaté, internationally renowned Malian traditional musician. She is part of a Mande jaliw (generally known as the griots) who are oral historians, musicians, and performers who keep alive and celebrate the history of the Mandé people of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and other West African countries. They are descendents of musicians who took an oath to continue the family’s oral tradition and musical heritage which dates back to the 13th century, the time of Sunjata Keita, founder of the Mali empire.
Mande griots (storytellers) have been guardians of Sunjata’s life story, which has been passed down for generations through songs, spoken recitation, and musical performance.
English translation by Professor and descendent of Sundiata, Cherif Keita.