Living Legacies

Alhagie Mbaye was born in The Gambia in 1965 and both his parents were singers who trace their origins to the Kouyateh family. He is one of the finest living exponents of the Kora in the Gambia today and represents a bridge between the old and new generations. He studied under several Kora masters including Jali Nyama Suso, Alhagie Jobarteh and Sambou Jobarteh and is a grandson of the legendary griot, Bamba Suso.

Since 1989 he has toured and performed internationally particularly with musicians from Scandinavia. He also studied for one year at Malmo College of music in Sweden and was one of the first kora players to seek formal training in Western music. He recently produced a CD recording with the Gambian National Council of Arts and Culture of traditional music entitled, Gems of the Gambia. He now teaches several young students including his young son, Boubar Mbaye who is both an up-and-coming kora player and singer.

Alhagie & Boubar Mbaye

(Kora & Voice)

VIDEO:

Cheddo performed by Alhagie Mbaye

Recorded 26/05/2014

Serekunda, The Gambia

Hi-Res Lo-Res

Jula Faso performed by Alhagie Mbaye

Recorded 26/05/2014

Serekunda, The Gambia

Hi-Res Lo-Res

Tara performed by Alhagie Mbaye & Boubar Mbaye