Explore the rich heritage of Malian griots and traditional balafon music with Balla Kouyaté, a modern Djeli and cultural ambassador.
A member of the Kouyaté clan, Balla traces his lineage back more than 800 years to Balla Faséké, the first in an unbroken line of djelis—oral historians, musicians, and cultural keepers of the Mandé people. The Kouyatés have safeguarded the sacred Sosso-Bala, the original balafon, since the 13th century. Today, the instrument is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Kouyaté began learning from his father at age six and performed for everyone from farmers to presidents before immigrating to the United States in 2000. Through performances and collaborations, he continues to connect communities to West African traditions while expanding the possibilities of the balafon.
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Balla Kouyaté’s residency at MSA is funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.
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