Kadialy Kouyate is a superb kora player from Kolda in south Senegal. Now based in the UK, he’s involved in numerous projects, including releasing solo music, such as Toña, meaning ‘Truth’, his ninth album.
…The opening track, ‘Kana Cumbo’ (Don’t Cry), based on a lullaby, begins with a surprise. One expects to hear Kouyate’s kora first, but it begins with the deep sound of a plucked double bass. Then, Kouyate’s instrument arrives, as well as his vocals, and together with the double bass they create a lovely track. There’s an ebullience throughout and an enjoyable range of musical guests, including Josh Middleton on accordion, Al MacSween on keyboard and Mamadou Sarr on percussion. ‘Kanou Foro ka Di’…