Lansana Kouyate. Credit: Submitted
Don’t miss a rare chance to hear the rich sounds of West Africa performed by master artists right here in Arcata. Clear your calendars for the West African Cultural Homage, a two-night musical showcase with Lansana Kouyat, Miriam Djakite and Gordon Hellegers, taking place Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. at HLOC’s Space ($20). The originally scheduled Feb. 5 performance at Redwood Raks has been moved to HLOC’s Space. Kouyate is a griot (West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, and/or musician) and balafon (a xylophone-like instrument) master from Guinea, West Africa. Djakite is a dance master and Griot from Mali, West Africa, and the lead singer of African psychedelic rock band Orchestra Gold. Hellegers is a master kora (a 21-stringed traditional instrument) player. 

This article appears in Anatomy of an Embezzlement.

Kali Cozyris is the calendar editor of the North Coast Journal.

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1 Comment

  1. This is going to be a great show. Kora and Balaphon music is so beautifully peaceful and melodic. This is the real deal.

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