Djimo Kouyate (kora, voice) was from the Malinke ethnic group, a sub-group of the Manding people. Born in Tamba Counda, Senegal, he was part of a family of jelis (oral historians) who trace their ancestry to the thirteenth century.
An excellent kora player, Djimo was also a drummer and dancer. He worked with the Senegalese National Ballet, and was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble of Senegal. He performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and headed the educational organization Memory of African Culture.
Kouyate had 7 recordings, Djimo: West African Kora Music,
African Odyssey Vol. 2 (Music Of The World 1989) , Fa Kae – Djimo Kouyate/Manding Kora Music, (Music Of The World 1987) , Yankadi – Djimo Kouyate/Manding Drum Rhythms, Goree, featuring Mamaya African Jazz; and Diali Djimo Kouyate:Khabila (Family Lineage) and features traditional Manding Griot Ensemble music. His last CD released in December2003 is titled Wato Sita: This is the Time…for Peace and was a blending of the traditional with the contemporary. On this instrumental recording Kouyate was joined by guest artists Bouba Sacko (Mali) on guitar, Balla Kouyate (Mali) on bala and Pepe Gonzalez (Spain) on upright bass.
Djimo Kouyate died on August 1, 2004. (read the obituary)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.