Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba

Kaira Ba's music is inspired both by West African griot culture and the tradition of dance bands that emerged from that part of the world in 1970s (see: The Rail Band & Super Étoile de Dakar). Led by the Senegalese griot and kora virtuoso Diali Keba Cissokho, the ensemble features a tight-knit rhythm section of North Carolina natives. With lyrics in Manding, Wolof, and English, Kaira Ba's danceable songs describe the intersection of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life in contemporary West Africa. 'Moving an ocean away from his musical past has only strengthened Cissokho's resolve to enliven the traditional sound. With four Tar Heel natives behind him, Cissokho & Kaira Ba create a universally appealing sound full of bright tones and driving polyrhythm' (Paste Magazine). **Duke Performances' Music in the Gardens is made possible, in part, with support from Duke Continuing Studies, Duke Summer Session, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.**