Balla Kouyaté & World Vision
Balla Kouyaté is one of the greatest balafon players from the Djeli or “griot” tradition in Mali. In the African tradition the Djeli is a historian, musician, dancer and performer who has the task of reminding the community of its traditional greatness, and of the accomplishments of those who have come before.
Additional Information:The Kouyatés were the first djelis in the Mandé Empire. The balafon (ancestor of the xylophone) was given to Balla's ancestors by nobles in the 12th century and has remained in his family ever since. Join Balla and his group, World Vision, and discover the rich culture and musical history of Mali in this dynamic performance. Grades 5-12.
Student Workshops are available for this performance with Capitol Center teaching artists.
Curriculum Links
NH Music Standard 6.8.2: Students will analyze how elements of music are expressed in diverse genres and cultures.
NH Social Studies Standard: World History: 12:3.3: Students will examine how gender and ethnicity have been conceptualized in the arts, e.g., epic literature, African wood carvings, or film.
CSD Music Standard 9: Students will relate music to history and culture.
