Album Notes

KÓRÓKÁN

Sekou performs beautiful inspired compositions and traditional rhythms of sacred rites, ritual and daily life in traditional Manding villages of Mali and Guinea on this album KÓRÓKÁN . KÓRÓKÁN offers a vivid vision and a uniquely Sacred experience into the culture of his people, the Manding of Mali and Guinea, West Africa. On this recording Sekou gave of his soul and was honored and delighted to join his mentor, Jalo Babu Atiba, on two beautifully arranged tracks, "I am We" and "Segu Koro".

All instruments were performed by Sekou, except for Atentenbe flute on "Segu Koro" and "I Am We" (performed and created by Babu Atiba).


Sekou has trained, taught and performed traditional mandeng music for over two decades and a half with some of the Great Djembefola's ( Master Djembe players) of this day and time. His studies started in the womb, for he was born into the musical culture of the Mandeng people of West Africa. He received his first djembe at the young age of three years old and began training and performing, at the age of five, under his mentor "Jalo Babu Atiba".
Over the twenty-five year period, he traveled throughout the continental U.S., teaching classes, workshops, and doing drum sessions for the purpose of healing, as well as performing with other African Dance and Theatre Companies, local Arts Councils, and Colleges. In the year 2000 Sekou founded a school of drumming called "Djembekan School Of Percussion" and is presently a member of "Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago", Alyo Dance Theatre, and "Zulu Connection", all spot lighting the masqurades, song, dances, music and folklore of the African Diaspora.
The one quality that Sekou is known for, is his knowledge and intense seriousness and passion for the drum and the Healing Traditions of his people (Manding) and Ancestors and his light giving heart that soothes those eager to learn the Truth, of such a beautiful Culture. To experience him play is to hear Dedication, Clearity, Maturity, Sincerty, and Honor.




KÓRÓKÁN TRACKS

1. WOIMA
(Guinea) Traditional Malinké rhythm performed for the fetish maker that travels the region after a harvest to present his powerful show of magic tricks.

2. I AM WE
Inspired composition by Babu Atiba to the rhythm Sounou, a traditional rhythm and dance of the Kassounké people of Mali. This rhythm of Sounou is a combination of patterns taught to Atiba by Adama Drame and Mamane Samaké. The poem is an excert from Useni Eugene Perkins, "A tribute to the Million Man March." The song is a Sun Drummers tune written by "Atu" Harold Murry.

3. MADAN
(Mali) Traditional Malinké Rhythm and dance that is performed for welcome at the end Ramadan, and the Tabaski festival.

4. KASSALODON
(Guinea) Two Traditional Malinké rhythms, Senefoli and Kassa, performed to strengthen the workers in the field and for the big village celebration of the big harvest.

5. DJOLIBA
(River Niger) Inspired composition by Sekou in respect to the essence of the Great Waters that give forth so much nutriment and beauty to life.

6. SEGU KÓRÓ
(The Old Town of Segu in Mali) Inspired composition by Sekou (Featuring Jalo Babu Atiba on the Atentenbé flute) in remembrance of the first Bamana (Bambara) civilization.

7. WÉLÉ
(Bamana for "call it!") Inspired bell composition by Sekou, A call to awaken the sense of unity and respect to our Ancestors that walked a life of Truth and Righteousness.

8. BANDIN
Sekou speaks of his love and honor through his Djembe, dedicated to his Aunt Dorthy (Djali Musoo) for her knowledge, wisdom and loving warm heart.

9. PO TOLO DOGON
Inspired composition by Sekou, that honors one aspect of the highly evolved intelligence of the Dogons knowledge of Sirius A and B. Po is the smallest seed known to the Dogon and Tolo means star (small star).

10. DANSA
(Mali) Traditional Kassounké rhythm performed at many festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.

11. NUMU
Inspired composition by Sekou in honor of the Mandeng Blacksmiths and in respect to the power that they harness.

12. BAOBAB
Inspired composition by Sekou. The Baobab tree is the place where the elders sit and discuss the affairs of the village and is representative of the Ancestors, their long lasting deep rooted knowledge that encompasses time and space and is a Blessing from the Creator (Faro) himself, for this knowledge links everything to the same source and proves that all is family and supports one another.

13. SOBONINKUN
(Guinea) A Traditional Malinké rhythm, performed for a dancer wearing a mask representing a small animal's head. This special dance is performed after the big harvest.