Interview with Jali Fily Cissokho by Adrian Phillips at Tuna the Day
This isn’t the first time you’ve played Wychwood. What’s the appeal?
Many people don’t know the Kora. When they hear it they love it and are surprised to hear bass and accompaniment played on one instrument backing my vocals. I think people are enjoying my music.
You are a master at playing the Kora. For the uninitiated could you explain what that this?
I‘m a Griot (praise singer keeper of our history). My family trace their ancestors back to the great Mali Empire where the Griot entertained and advised the Kings. I was taught these traditional tracks by my late father Jali Kemo Cissokho and later by mysenior brother Solo Cissokho I was given my repertoire of songs from my mother Bitou Konte a famous Griot from Guinea. I began my tuition at age 6, playing everyday, even to the present day. This roots training is the basis from which I inspirate. I’ll never loose that, it’s in my blood.
Toumani Diabaté is also playing on the Saturday, any chance that you’ll end up on the same stage?
It’s possible!! I love meeting up with my fellow Griot Toumani here in the UK. He’s been my inspiration from long time ago and continues to support me whenever we meet. I’ve been listening to his latest CD. It’s wonderful.
You’ve just finished a recording session with composer A R Rahman who wrote the score for Slumdog Millionaire. That must’ve been a great experience?
Yes, amazing, it was hard work, but the music was our source of communication. We worked on the new film Raavan, to be premiered at The Cannes Film Festival, and ended up having a great jam session with him singing along to my track in his language. He love’s the Kora.
Your new CD is being released in July; will you be playing tracks from it during your set?
Oh yes of course.
You come from Senegal, but now live in Witney, Oxfordshire. Do you find it easy to adjust to living in a colder climate?
Well I was happy to be in Senegal working on my promotion and visiting family over the winter because I missed the snow. Coming back to my second home just means we have to turn up the heating for a while. I definitely miss my people passing by as I sit outside under the mango tree playing my kora. When I’m not performing here, the door‘s shut and the mobile phone on for most of the day.
Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Dreadzone. I heard about the band from my wife’s son Ben Adams (sound engineer on the Pendulum Tour). He’s been working with me on my new CD. Greg from the band started him out.
Jali Fily will be playing on the Saturday of the festival.
And big thank you to @tunatheday for sending it over!:) Check his site for daily dose of good music!
