Born in Mali, Balla Kouyaté was raised in the Djeli tradition. His knowledge of his traditional repertoire is unparalleled. Today, the first balafon, over 1000 years old, is considered a UNESCO Artifact of Oral and Intangible History and remains in Balla's family, guarded by his father, El Hadji Sekou Kouyaté. Balla has toured extensively through Europe, Africa, and North America and has been featured on over 45 albums including Silkroad’s "Sing Me Home", Yo-Yo Ma’s "Songs of Joy and Peace", Angelique Kidjo’s "Oyo", and Vusi Mahlasela’s "Say Africa". Join us as Balla takes us on a journey through the rich tradition of the balafon.  Hosted by Maggie Holtzberg, Folk Arts & Heritage Program Manager at the Mass Cultural Council.

Each #RevelsConnects: Musical Connections podcast is a follow-up to a 45-minute salon-style performance with the featured musician, premiering on Facebook Live and available on the Revels YouTube channel. Visit Revels Inc. on YouTube to watch more!

The #RevelsConnects Musical Connections series is sponsored in part by a grant from The Ithaka Foundation and produced in collaboration with the Mass Cultural Council. This program is also supported in part by a grant from the Watertown Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Audio engineered by Dave Jamrog Audio/Video.