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    MUSIC

    Balla Tounkara

    Balla Tounkara

    Presented by The Concert Series at Wellesley College

    April 1, 2009

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    Balla Tounkara, griot and master kora player from Mali, West Africa, and his band Groupe Spirit have been bringing a spicy, eclectic blend of danceable music utilizing African, Latin, Funk, Reggae, Jazz and Blues musical styles to enthusiastic audiences across the country. Balla Tounkara was born into the griot tradition of Mali, the center of the ancient Manding Empire of West Africa. Historically, the griot's role in the Malian royal court was to praise the the king and his warriors, and maintain the oralhistory of its society through music. Balla, whose ancestors were chiefs of the griots, began to play the kora (the original 21 string harp of Africa) as a child and honed his skills through years of strict discipline and commitment. Under the tutelage of his internationally acclaimed grandfathers, Batrou Sekou Kouyate and Samakou Tounkara, he learned to respect the significance of this royal music, becoming a master kora player and vocalist in his own right.


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      • Venue Info
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        Tickets: Tickets are not required. Event is free and open to the public.

      • Dates & Times

        Dates:
        April 1, 2009

        Times:
        Begins at 8pm in the Jewett Arts Center Auditorium

      • Accessibility Info

          Additional services can be offered if requested in advance.

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