In The Farrell Auditorium

To celebrate the opening of Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, hear a brief talk about the exhibition by Curator Nichole Bridges, followed by a performance by Yacouba Sissoko and his band SIYA.

Sissoko is a master kora player from the djely tradition in Mali. Djelys are the musical storytellers in West Africa, a position that is inherited through a family bloodline. For centuries they have been the keepers of factual history and the fictional fables of past rulers, nobles, social groups and families. Highly respected within their communities, djelys are responsible for keeping stories of the past alive and applicable to contemporary audiences. The kora, a 21-stringed instrument, was the traditional instrument that djelys played as the accompaniment to their songs and is featured in the exhibition.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.