Jaliyaa Kumbengo West African Community Event

Jaliyaa Kumbengo West African Community Event - Live Music, Workshop & Cultural Experience at ALMA Princes Street Norwich (Former United Reform Church)

On Saturday 30th May, ALMA hosts Jaliyaa Kumbengo, an afternoon & evening of live music, participatory learning and cultural exchange rooted in Griot tradition.

Led by Gambian Kora player and cultural practitioner Sefo Kanuteh and his band Meriya, and joined by acclaimed Gambian vocalist Binta Suso, the event invites audiences into a shared experience of music, storytelling and improvisation.

Running from 4.00pm to 8.00pm, the programme is open to the general public and families and unfolds across multiple moments:

From 4.00pm to 6.30pm audiences can explore:

• A pop up photographic exhibition tracing Sefo's artistic journey and griot lineage
• African Food, Non-Alchoholic Drinks & Beverages and a number of African and World Artisan Craft Stalls, all set in a relaxed social environment

A participatory music workshop takes place from 4.45pm-5.45pm (additional cost, limited spaces).

This session focuses on improvisation and fusion, welcoming all levels of ability. Around 10 Koras will be available to use and participants are encouraged to bring their own string or small percussion instruments, or simply take part through voice and singing.

From 6.30-7.30pm, the evening culminates in a live performance by Sefo Kanuteh & Meriya Band featuring Binta Suso, blending traditional Mandinka music with contemporary influences in an intimate concert setting.

Rooted in the griot tradition, Jaliyaa Kumbengo positions music as a living archive, carrying memory, identity and collective knowledge accross generations, while opening space for new connections through participation.

For more information about Sefo visit www.sefokanuteh.com

The event is presented by Music Worldwide www.musicworldwide.co.uk and supported with funding from Arts Council England