I just learnt the great Mory Kanté, one of the most famous African singers has passed away on May 22nd this year. Watch this video of his world hit Yé Ké Yé Ké: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdeoNf62A6s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdeoNf62A6s</a>;. The song is sung in Mandinka (Mandingo), a language native to Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, the home of Mory Kante. The instrument he is playing in the video is the kora harp, an instrument common in West Africa. Mory Kanté was born into a traditional <em>griot</em> family. A <em>griot</em> is a West African storyteller, historian, poet or musician: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griot</a>;. In Mandika they are called <em>jali</em> or <em>jeli</em>.

This is Tama, another song by Mory Kanté: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Oxyhu8V34g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Oxyhu8V34g</a>;.

R.I.P. Mory Kanté, your music will forever live on!