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Updated 3/7/2024

BALLA KOUYATE

  • M

    MA

Institution/Business Type: Performing Group

Available to perform a full concert as a soloist or with the Balla Kouyate Band. As a soloist, Balla plays multiple instruments, including the balafon and the calabash, and uses a looper to create a full band sound. High-energy, melodic and percussive World Music/Afro-Pop Performance with traditional, African instruments and singing. Acoustic Trio and Duos upon request. Lecture/Demonstrations and Residencies. Role of the Djeli (Griot) in Mandé Music - the Sosso bala (Kouyaté family instrument and legacy - 800 year-old UNESCO-protected cultural artifact) - traditional instruments and their history - Pentatonic vs. Diatonic music - audience participation (instruments, song and dance). Please call to discuss other options for lectures.

Find Me

Balla Kouyate
Job Title: Musician (balafon, electric bass, guitar, drums), Arranger, Lecturer
Phone: 631-220-9552
Address:
Medford, MA 02155

Social Media:

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Corporation

Year Founded:

1990

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Corporation

Year Founded:

1990

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Music - Ethnic / World

Additional Disciplines:

  • Music - Traditional

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Residency - Community
  • Residency - In School
  • Wedding / Parties / Private Gatherings
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 200

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Businesses
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Immigrant Populations
  • Incarcerated (or Formerly Incarcerated) individuals
  • LGBTQ Populations
  • Native American Tribes
  • Nonprofits
  • People with Disabilities
  • School Groups
  • Teens
  • Veteran/Active Duty Military Personnel
  • Youth-At-Risk

Languages Available:

  • French
  • English

Geographic Reach:

  • International

Media Gallery

I Have Worked With

Affiliations and Accomplishments

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Silkroad Ensemble
  • New England Conservatory of Music, Faculty

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Silkroad Ensemble
  • New England Conservatory of Music, Faculty

Awards

Awards:

  • St. Botolph Club Foundation Distinguished Artist Award 2023 | World Contemporary Music
  • 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellow
  • 2015 Brother Thomas Fellowship awarded by the Boston Foundation
  • 2014 Mass Cultural Council Traditional Arts Apprenticeship
  • 2010 Mass Cultural Council Fellowship in the Traditional Arts

Special Designations

Special Designations:

  • NEFA Grant Recipient

Artist Info

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Afterschool Program
  • Arts and Cultural Center / Venue
  • Community Site / Center
  • Corporate Business
  • Healthcare Facility
  • Private Studio
  • School / University

Ages Served:

  • Pre-Kindergarten-age
  • Elementary School-age
  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults
  • Seniors

Subject Areas:

  • Arts Integration - Communications
  • Arts Integration - History and Social Science
  • Dance
  • Music

Fee range:

$500 - $5,000

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Afterschool Program
  • Arts and Cultural Center / Venue
  • Community Site / Center
  • Corporate Business
  • Healthcare Facility
  • Private Studio
  • School / University

Ages Served:

  • Pre-Kindergarten-age
  • Elementary School-age
  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults
  • Seniors

Subject Areas:

  • Arts Integration - Communications
  • Arts Integration - History and Social Science
  • Dance
  • Music

Fee range:

$500 - $5,000

Touring Artist

NEST Eligible Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • 3 microphones for solo performance

Fee Range:

$500 - $10,000

State of Residence:

Massachusetts

Minimum Number of Performers:

1

Maximum Number of Performers:

6