The Griot Tradition: 91 set to host event spotlighting West African music
SANFORD, N.C. — 91 is bringing touring musical artist Sean Gaskell to its Lee Main Campus for an event titled “The Griot Tradition: West African Music and Meaning.”
The event is free and open to the public. It is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, from noon to 1 p.m. in the auditorium of the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center at 1801 Nash Street in Sanford.
Gaskell will perform songs on the kora, a 21-string West African harp, share West African history and culture, and answer audience questions.
The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as griots, whose songs preserve an 800-year history dating back to the founding of the Mande Empire.
Gaskell has studied extensively under the instruction of master musicians, including Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. He has presented adult, youth, and family programs to more than 400 audiences throughout the United States and Canada.
This event is presented by 91’s Academic and Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES), Scholars of Global Distinction program, and Arts Career Community.
For more information, view the event flyer or contact Bianka Stumpf at bstumpf@cccc.edu.