~ Bio of Jaliba Kuyateh ~
Jaliba Kuyateh is a recognized Gambian artist
in the area of performing arts who contributed greatly to the promotion of
Gambian culture and the development of African and Gambian music in particular.
He composed many songs conveying messages to the people on social issues and
rendered services free of charge to build schools, religious centers and health
centers.
As a child during the ages of five to seven years, Jaliba was trained on the
Kora - a twenty-one stringed musical instrument, mainly found in countries
along the west coast of Africa. This happened through his father who was also
a player of the Kora.
At this time, if he did anything wrong, his father
was using the kora as a form of punishment by giving him a tune to play on
the Kora before he was allowed to go out and play with friends. Through this,
he was able to acquire the basic skills on the instrument since the time he
was very young.
Because of his school career, he almost left the Kora completely, apart from
during leisure time. Only when he entered the Gambia Teachers Training College,
he became interested in the instrument again. During the college course, he
was with the Kora constantly, and rapidly became known by all Gambians as
well as in other West African countries because of his performances and interviews
in the national radio.
Interested students came and formed a group with
him. The group became famous and started touring the country, especially during
school holidays. This development went ahead to date. Jaliba and the group
has since then in a very characteristical way been able to blend traditional
and modern musical instruments in their repertoire, thus making it possible
for them to produce music that is appealing to both the young and older generation
of Gambians as well as visitors to The Gambia.
DISCOGRAPHY of JALIBA KUYATEH
Fankanta - Jaliba Kuyateh and the Kumareh band
Dajiko Cheramo - Jaliba Kuyateh and the Kumareh band
Hera Bangku - Jaliba Kuyateh and the Kumareh band
