Mohamed prepares to teach a balafon lesson. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Mohamed Kouyate
Balafon music of Guinea, West Africa
Mohamed Kouyate is a Djeli musician from Guinea-Conakry. The Djeli are bloodline musicians that serve as the repositories of traditional Malian history and culture. A former member of Les Merveilles Guinée, he is a master balafonist and keeper of a 900 year old musical tradition. His art took from the rural village of Boké to the Guinea’s capitol, Conakry, where he continued to thrive as a principal musician of the national ballet. Following his time in Merveilles, he relocated to the United States where he continues to perform and share his special musical talents. Djeli Mohamed Kouyate is a treasure of The Bay Area.
Apprenticeship Program
2025
Guy De Chalus will deepen his skills as a balafon accompanist through focused study of Mandeng village-style traditions of. The apprenticeship centers on advanced balafon techniques, including melodic triplet runs, solo polyphony, and rhythmic layering, while exploring the Sundiata Keita suite. Emphasis is placed on shared leadership and accompaniment roles within music traditionally performed for community rituals such as births and weddings.
