Jaliba Kuyateh

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Jaliba Kuyateh is a Gambian musician, known internationally as the “King of Kora", who was given an Honorary Fellowship in 2023.

He plays music that mixes the sounds of this traditional West African stringed instrument with modern pop beats.

Part of a family of musicians, his music has helped to bring the kora to an international audience in a career spanning over 30 years.

Kuyateh previously worked as a schoolteacher and is known for his charity work with children. He has been an advocate for accessible healthcare in The Gambia and was made a UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for the country in 2006.