Jali Bakary Konteh

BIO

Jali Bakary Konteh is the grandson and son, respectively, of the legendary Gambian kora players Alhaji Bai Konte (who helped to bring kora music to the wider world with his iconic album Kora Melodies From the Republic of the Gambia, West Africa in 1973) and Dembo Konte. As Banning Eyre has put it, “it is difficult to overstate the regal, nearly divine, stature” of the Konte family in the echelons of West African music.

Born into this remarkable musical lineage and steeped in Gambia’s griot tradition, Jali Bakary is the latest torchbearer for his family’s kora legacy on the world stage. He has performed extensively throughout West and North Africa, as well as in the UK, US, Middle East and Europe.

In the way of Mande tradition, Jali Bakary Konteh brings his own personal touch and innovations to traditional songs, with unique virtuosic melodic and rhythmic arrangements. A hugely versatile musician, he regularly performs solo, as well as with his own band, Minyanta.

Jali Bakary has built up a following across the UK with solo performances at many of the best-known folk festivals such as Sidmouth and Cambridge as well as multi-arts festivals like Llangollen Fringe and Rye, and at venues from London’s King’s Place to Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium. Jali has also performed live on BBC Radio 3 In Tune.

His performances combine dazzling musicianship and an engaging stage presence, giving him a platform to share his beloved griot culture, the kora and The Gambia on stages around the country. The most common response from audience members is ‘mesmerising.’

Jali also leads workshops.

He has released his first solo album ‘Jali Bakary Konteh’ is available at https://jalibakarykonteh.bandcamp.com/album/jali-bakary-konteh

Tour Dates