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A CELEBRATION OF WEST AFRICAN MUSICAL TRADITIONS
BALAFON QUARTET: TRADITION REIMAGINED
April 6 @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Led by Guinean griot and virtuoso Abou Sylla, a master balafonist with over 50 years of international experience, this dynamic ensemble brings the vibrant sounds of West Africa to life. Performed on four balafons (wooden xylophones), the music blends traditional Mande repertoire with contemporary interpretation, creating layered rhythms rooted in centuries-old storytelling.
Musicians: Griot Abou Sylla, Andy Algire, Niko Diarra-Koloseus, and Irene Koloseus
The program features a one-hour performance, including insights into the role of the griot, followed by a hands-on workshop and Q&A, where audiences can try the instruments.
Free & open to all ages
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
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Guinean griot Abou Sylla is an internationally acclaimed master balafonist and tradition bearer of the Mande musical lineage, with over 50 years of experience performing, teaching, and sharing his culture worldwide. A former member of Les Ballets Africains, he has toured extensively across Africa, Europe, and the United States, and has served as a faculty member at institutions including the University of Florida and Sarah Lawrence College. Deeply rooted in the griot tradition of oral history and storytelling, he carries generations of knowledge through his music while continuing to connect with new audiences. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including a 2026 Mass Cultural Council Creative Individuals Grant.