ALBUMS

1. New studio album by Jali Sherrifo Konteh

CHESANO

Jali Sherrifo Konteh
Compound Sounds CS 02 (2005)

This album was released to co-incide with the start of Sherrifo's 2005 British tour. It was sold at all his appearances, but is also available through this website for £11, which includes postage & packing within the UK for a single item. (If you live outside the UK postage will be higher, and if you want to order more than one item the total postage will be reduced, so in these cases, instead of ordering on this web site, please email us for a specific price.)

You can also, if you prefer, order by sending a cheque (£ sterling only, please) to the address below.

Reviews of the album will appear here as they are published.

Listen to samples from the CD!

Chesano (first 60 seconds, kora intro), 941Kb
Kedo (first 62 seconds, kora and voice), 968Kb

MANSALOU

Jali Sherrifo Konteh
Compound Sounds CS 01 (2001)

Price £11, which includes postage & packing within the UK for a single item. (If you live outside the UK postage will be higher, and if you want to order more than one item the total postage will be reduced, so in these cases, instead of ordering on this web site, please email us for a specific price.)

These are the first recordings of a wonderful young singer and musician who is clearly destined for a great future as a leading exponent of West African traditional music. The son of Alhaji Bai Konte and the brother of Dembo Konte, Sherrifo learned from both and has become an outstanding musician in his own right.

The kora has been described as Africa's greatest musical instrument. The earliest references to it date back to the eighteenth century though it may be older. It is unique to the Manding people of West Africa. In recent years the instrument has become more widely known through the playing of some remarkable virtuosos, nearly all of whom come from the "jali" or "griot" families. These are the hereditary orators, musicians and singers who have played such a vital role in their societies over the centuries, recording orally the history and genealogy of their people, noting customs, laws, archives and composing songs honouring famous figures. They were able to promote a realisation and awareness of a rich historical heritage that can be traced back to the great Manding king Sunjata Keita who ruled over the huge Empire of Mali in the 13th century.

Sherrifo comes from one the most famous of the jali families from a town that is the home of many griot families. All his life he has been steeped in this rich tradition. He has a highly developed and inventive technique playing the kora which scintillates and sparkles and compliments his commanding singing. Some of his songs reflect the long tradition that he is a continuing part of; others comment on contemporary social mores. He performs them all with a passion and commitment that make them truly engaging listening.

Jali Sherrifo Konteh
Compound Sounds CS 01 (2001)

Listen to samples from the CD!

Africa (6 mins 55 secs), 9750Kb
Mansalou (group version) (4 mins 13 secs), 5937Kb

Read reviews of this CD here.

Both CDs cost £11 including P&P within the UK from:-
Compound Sounds,
26 Ferrers Road,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 1 PZ
England
Tel:- 01273 478124
Email cds@compoundsounds.com
Cheques payable to Compound Sounds.