Anyone with an interest in African music and culture is in for a treat as renowned musician and praise singer Jali Fily Cissokho will be performing a Kora recital in the bar of the Theatre, Chipping Norton.
Originally from the Casamance region of southern Senegal, Jali Fily now lives in Oxfordshire. Taught to play the Kora - a 21 string African harp - by his father at the age of six, he was soon performing with family members at local ceremonies, and later went on to perform as a solo artist throughout southern Senegal.
He is descended from a famous line of Griots - hereditary musicians who once advised and entertained the emperors and kings of Mali. These oral historians have for over 4,000 years handed down the knowledge, culture and history of the Mande people. Traditionally, Griots were seen as spiritual people who were all-seeing and all-knowing in the eyes of society.
He was first invited to Europe in 2002 to tour with his brother Solo, winner of the BBC3 World Music Awards 2004. Recent UK performances have included Glastonbury and WOMAD festivals. He also performed the music for the BBC documentary Elephants.
The performance is one of The Theatre's monthly Soundbite events taking place in the bar on the last Wednesday of each month.
Admission is free and refreshments are available to buy. For more details contact the Box Office on 01608 642350.
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