UKZN Students Explore Rich Manding Culture Through Music Dating Back to 11th Century

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s African Music Project, based in the School of Arts, recently hosted Guinean musician N’Faly Kouyaté for an intensive artistic residency at the Howard College campus.

He was joined by his team members, Ms Sandra Werner (manager and singer) and Ms Muriel Finet Kouyaté (musician).

N’Faly Kouyaté, a Guinean musician, belongs to the Mandinka ethnic group of West Africa. His father, the renowned griot Konkoba Kabinet Kouyaté, lived in Siguiri, Guinea.

The African Music Project (AMP) focuses on music education, research and performance. Director of AMP Dr Patricia Opondo, describes N’Faly Kouyaté as an outstanding pedagogue and a legend who is pushing the boundaries of traditional kora music into the avant-garde, earning him a Grammy Award nomination.

Beyond artistic development and innovation, the residency also emphasised cultural exchange, knowledge transmission and international visibility. Its twofold purpose focused on significant creative developments for N’Faly Kouyaté.

Opondo recalls a memorable performance at the Howard College Theatre, where the fusion of live kora, djembe drumming and electronic music had students on their feet, dancing to the intoxicating rhythms.

She said: “Through captivating storytelling, he took us through the rich history of the Manding culture from the 11^th century, which is indeed the role of the griot in West African communities.”

The concert-masterclass opened with a performance by the AMD2 bow class, who played the Zulu umqangala mouth bow, led by AMD Practical lecturer, Mr Victor Gcabela Sithole. “N’Faly Kouyaté was so impressed and commented that he looks forward to future collaborations and co-creation of kora and Manding sounds with local isiZulu bows and songs,” she said.

Plans are underway for an extended residency comprising three components: kora, djembe drumming and electronic fusion. Students are enthusiastic about immersing themselves in traditional kora playing, mastering djembe drumming under Ms Muriel Finet Kouyaté, and exploring the innovative integration of sound technology.

Third-year African Music and Dance (AMD) students, Mr Mmeli Ndlovu and Ms Phumzile Nsele, described the N’Faly Kouyaté concert and workshop as an unforgettable experience. They were truly inspired by how his music and storytelling through the kora connected them to African traditions and demonstrated how culture lives on through sound.

Nsele said: “It was powerful to see how collaboration between students and professional artists created harmony and unity through music, lastly the teamwork.”

Ndlovu said that working closely with a skilled and supportive sound engineer gave him the opportunity to observe, participate and gain a deeper sense of professionalism in music. “It was amazing to see how traditional African instruments blended so beautifully with modern sound production. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for live sound work and the artistry behind every performance.”

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Mandla Mthembu