Jalikunda will present a colourful, energetic, spectacular performance showcasing the songs, rhythms and dances of Senegal in West Africa.
“Jalikunda’s vibrant harmony and pulsating rhythms create a musical feast of song and dance!”
Born in Senegal, djembe and kora specialist Mamadou Cissoko presents a spirit-lifting confection that embodies and personifies the cultural heartbeat of West Africa. Full of complex inner rhythms and featuring a great deal of interweaving improvisation, it produces a form of musical performance which inexorably sets the body in motion. Indeed, dancing is inherently a hugely important part of the overall musical experience.
For these guys, born into an ancient culture where music, dance and storytelling play an important in everyday life, the ritual of music-making is an inherited tradition that sits close to the centre of their being. A palpable sense of soulful joy permeates the sound they produce together.
For an intimate gathering, Jalikunda can present a djembe and kora duo that can readily perform without the need for electrical amplification. However, for bigger audiences or at larger events, the band can step out in style with a full six-piece ensemble. In addition, where a greater visual impact is called for, the music can also be accompanied onstage by a spectacular troupe of up to three traditionally-costumed dancers.
Jalikunda will present an enchanting, exciting and spectacular synthesis of rich rhythms and magical melodies from the West African tradition.
- Mesmerising West African rhythms for an uplifting festival atmosphere
- Flexible line-up, from a compact duo to a six-piece band plus dancers
- Electrical amplification not always needed – great for outdoor events
Video
Audio
Repertoire
Jalikunda performs a colourful, energetic, spectacular repertoire showcasing songs, melodies, rhythms and dances of Senegal in West Africa.
Rachel and Dietmar Wenzel –
Rachel & Dietmar’s Wedding – October 2017
Just to thank you both so so much for an amazing surprise for our wedfest guests last weekend, it was totally the perfect wow factor, and you sounded amazing.
Thanks again and hopefully someday soon we’ll see you performing again!
Nat and Dan’s Wedding: September 2016 –
Nat and Dan’s Wedding: September 2016
Just to say thank you so much for playing at my wedding in September, you guys both made my day and you were awesome. Thanks!
Nat&Dan
Sarah and Craig’s Wedding: May 2016 –
We booked a duo from Jalikunda to play at our wedding in May 2016. Mamadou and Amadou were absolutely fantastic, we couldn’t have been happier with the performance or with the help given to organise it beforehand.
The performance was kept a surprise for our guests and it was brilliant to get everyone dancing after our reception dinner. I would highly recommend this band to anyone wanting a performance by an African band that is both chilled and up-beat at the same time, it was totally unique and everyone loved it.
Mamadou and Amadou – Thank you both so much for really making our wedding day such a fantastic experience.
Sarah and Craig Rogers
Ollie Wickham – Alresford Music Festival –
African band Jalikunda brought a completely new dimension to the AMF experience with beats and rhythms that drew the crowd to the front of the stage and got many more on their feet. The vibrant performance was not only a visual delight of pure energy and mesmerising beats, it also provided the crowd with music genre heard for the first time at the festival.
Yi He –
This is to let you know that the live music was wonderful. All our guests truly enjoyed it. Please extend our thanks to Mamadou and his partners. I also want like to thank you for your timely work to make this happen.
Martin Cook – Riders For Health –
Everyone really enjoyed the performance from Jalikunda – they certainly added a great deal to our day and helped us raise over £190,000 for charity!
Michael Dumbili’s Party –
Jalikunda were absolutely brilliant! So friendly, punctual and professional, everyone loved them. Couldn’t have asked for more! If there is ever another party planned, I will definitely have them round. Please pass on my regards to them. Thanks again for organising!
G Guest: Montserrat African Festival 2014 –
Absolutely wonderful performances. The dancing was wonderful and the string harp a delight. They were SO enthusiastic with their dancing was OMG so energetic. Would not have missed it for the world.
Montserrat African Festival: 2013 and 2014 (Review by the Government of Montserrat) –
The performances by Jalikunda at the Montserrat African Festivals of 2013 and 2014 exceeded all expectations. Their completely masterful performance of West African folk song, music and dance allowed Montserratians to get a step closer to their native ancestry. We were so impressed by the performance in 2013 that we invited them back again in 2014!