We are thrilled to welcome kora virtuoso Kadialy Kouyate and his band to perform at The Garden Cinema as part of our Francophone West African Cinema season.

Born into the great line of Kouyate griots, Senegalese kora maestro Kadialy Kouyate draws on his heritage and its traditional songs to create his own mesmerising compositions, leading his fantastic band into the West African groove.

Kadialy’s kora playing and singing style, both as a soloist and in different ensembles, have been appreciated in many prestigious venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the 02 Arena, the National Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, Clarence House and House of Parliament. Kadialy has also played venues and festivals across the world, touring to Europe, Australia, Asia, North and South America. Since his arrival in the UK, Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene with his griot legacy.

Kadialy has taught the kora at SOAS, University of London, for the last decade and he has also been involved in countless musical projects both as a collaborator and a session musician. He toured with the RSC’s production of Julius Caesar and other theatre projects including the London Globe Theatre and the renowned children and scensory theatre copany Oily Cart. In 2015 he took part in the remaking of the TV series Roots as a musician, cultural consultant and dialect coach. He has released several albums and makes regular radio and television appearances. With his Sound Archive, Kadialy Kouyate draws on his heritage and its traditional songs to create his own mesmerizing compositions, leading his fantastic band into the West African groove His new solo instrumental album - Aado – was released on September 24 on Naxos World.

'Senegalese kora virtuoso/singer Kadialy Kouyate showcases his fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerizing instrument, complementing it with his hauntingly, darkly beautiful voice.' -Time Out

Kadialy's set precedes a screening of Djibril Diop Mambéty's Touki Bouki. A £2 discount applies to joint ticket holders - add tickets to both events to your basket and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.