The latest member of a legendary lineage of West African griots, Jali Bakary Konteh is a London-based kora master, carrying forward Gambia’s rich kora tradition, adding his own personal touch and innovations to traditional songs with unique melodic and rhythmic arrangements. 

Jali is the grandson and son, respectively, of the legendary Gambian kora players Alhaji Bai Konte (who helped to bring kora music to the wider world with his iconic album Kora Melodies From the Republic of the Gambia, West Africa in 1973) and Dembo Konte. As Banning Eyre has put it, “it is difficult to overstate the regal, nearly divine, stature” of the Konte family in the echelons of West African music. Born into this remarkable musical lineage and steeped in Gambia’s griot tradition, Jali Bakary is the latest torchbearer for his family’s kora legacy on the world stage. He has performed extensively throughout West and North Africa, as well as in the UK and the rest of Europe (WOMAD, Roskilde Festival). 

“An exceptional purveyor of the Gambian tradition” - Afropop Worldwide

St Andrew’s Church is delighted to welcome Jali to make a wonderful start to their Autumn series of monthly Music for All Sunday concerts. He is sure to add an exciting new dimension to their varied programme.

More information on: jalibakarykonteh.co.uk