Carrying on tradition and adding a modern twist
Born in Senegal in the griot family, percussionist Sidy Koita learned the balafon at a very young age. After his father past away when he was two, his dad’s cousin became his father figure and taught him the balafon.
Koita says that the balafon is an instrument of West Africa, in the Mandingue (or Mandinka) Community from countries like Senegal, Mali, Guinea, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. He added, “It’s an instrument that Soumaore Kante gave to the Koité family in the 11th century or 13th century. So it’s dated back a long time ago, but the Balafon is played all around the world today. It has gone beyond a traditional instrument to become a modern one.”
He added that in the past, traditional balafonists had their own style, but now that has been blended with the style of modern instruments. For example, he can use balafon and piano together on C, E and G keys. He has played the balafon in the orchestra and jazz groups.
Koita added, “I pray for the souls of those people to rest in the highest paradise because they created instruments from which now we are earning our daily bread and many more generations can profit from them. Because thanks to the balafon and them passing it down, I am called to many places to play in a modern style. The people before us worked hard and now we should take over and work hard because it all depends on us sharing this knowledge and language.”
We hope you enjoy finding new ways to use the sounds of this beautiful traditional Senegalese instrument passed down from family to family in your productions.
