Jaliba Kuyateh has turned the
kora music of Gambia into a very modern sound that he calls
kora pop. Together with his group,
the Kumareh Band, Kuyateh continues to unite the ancient and modern worlds with his exciting, uplifting performances.
The son of a kora player, Kuyateh began playing the
21-stringed instrument at the age of five. Although he showed talent on the instrument, he stopped playing after two years to focus on his schoolwork. He didn't pick it up again until
1977, when he was attending the
Gambia Teachers Training College. Two years later, he joined with fellow students to form
Jaliba & Group.
Although he studied other traditional instruments during a school break in
1986, music remained a hobby. While he continued to play with his band, Kuyateh began working with the ministry of
education, youth,
sports, and
culture following his graduation in
1991. Kuyateh's love of music proved irresistible. Within a year, he voluntarily retired from his government job and turned his full-time attention to music. With only two members of his band agreeing to continue working with him, Kuyateh formed the group as the Kumarah Band. The group's success came quickly. In addition to touring France and Spain, Kuyateh & the Kumareh Band released their debut album,
Radio Kantang, in
1993. The album sold more than 15,000 copies. Two albums,
Dajukah and
Tissoli, followed in 1994. Following the release of their fourth album,
Hera Banku, in
1995, Kuyateh & the Kumareh Band toured the
United States, recording a live album, Live in America.
Gambia Third Day followed in
1996 and
Njai Kunda in
1998.
Fan Kanta, released in
1999, included the band's hit singles and new material.