Fily was born into the famous family of Griots - CISSOKHO - and was taught to play the KORA (a 21 string African Harp) at the age of 6 by his father Jali Kemo CISSOKHO and later by his older brother Solo CISSOKHO. His mother, singer Bintou Konte CISSOKHO, gave him the historical stories and songs. Soon after he performed at local ceremonies in the region. At the age of 13 he formed his own group COUTE DIOMBOULO and later performed as a solo artist throughout Southern Senegal. His compositions and skilful mixing of the rhythms of South and North Senegal took him to the capital DAKAR where he sang and played the KORA in a more commercial setting with other groups, superbly blending traditional skills with modern sounds. He was first invited to Europe in 2002, to tour with the family group JALIKUNDA (founded by his brother Solo CISSOKHO, winner of the BBC3 World Music Award 2004). Recent UK appearances have included the WOMAD, Glastonbury and Larmer Tree Festivals. Solo performances include The Oxford Zodiac (supporting the Kathryn Tickell Band), The Oxford Water Festival ("His music moved people to tears") and Modern Art Oxford. He also performed on David Attenborough's BBC TV Documentary "Elephants" (music by Will Gregory of Goldfrapp fame). Now resident in the UK he has been working with the support of Oxford Contemporary Music, Oxford Brookes University, Right Angle Productions (Oxford Experimental Digital Music Workshops) and others. Jali Fily is experienced in one to one, hands on tuition and also group workshops for schools, universities and festivals. His sympathetic and adaptable approach provides empathy with all age groups ranging from pre-school to adult. He is available as a solo artist but also interested in working with other world musicians. His versatility enables him to deliver not only his traditional music but to fuse easily with classical, afro, cuban, blues and jazz. | ||||
His acclaimed first solo album is available from Kaira-Arts (sales). "My aim," he says, "Is to bring KAIRA (peace) to all through my music." | ||||