Amadou Kouyate
Amadou Kouyate is the 150th generation of the Kouyate family of Manding Diali (oral historians/musicians of West Africa). Amadou performs on the 21-string Kora, and rhythmic presentations on Djembe and Koutiro drums. His repertoire ranges from traditional songs from the 13th century to original compositions incorporating blues and jazz riffs. In addition to his solo work, Amadou performs with his world rock ensemble Proper SKANKS as well as with Farafina Kan, Manding Jata, Spank Rock, Urban Afrikan, The Kouyate Family/Memory of African Culture.
His credits include performances at The Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution, Bristol Academy and Isle of Wight in England, Tim Festival in Brazil, as well as the Lowell, East-Lansing and Dayton National Folk Festivals, Carnegie Hall with Sweet Honey in The Rock, National Geographic, and the Victoria World Rhythm Festival. He has received awards from the Maryland State Arts Council, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Howard University and Levine School of Music.
Amadou has studied in Mali, Senegal, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire with master musicians of the Diali tradition including Djimo Kouyate and Toumani Diabate. Amadou was most recently an Adjunct Lecturer of African Music and Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland before pursuing his career as a professional solo artist and collaborator full time.