Ahead of a summer saturated with Welsh festival appearances, N’Famady Kouyaté brings his story to the heart of Cardiff in a flash of infectious Friday evening joy. With the mild March weather finally sinking its teeth into the city, The Moon plays host to a rapturous dance party at the hands of the virtuoso.
Summoning his signature sonic patchwork, Kouyaté draws on contemporary jazz and ancient Mandingue tradition to present an affecting, multi-layered performance. Originally from the Guinean capital of Conakry, he radiates showmanship as he takes to the small stage, and makes quick work of finding harmony with his audience.
“Are you ready?” he asks, reaching his hands towards the sweating throng before bringing them down on his instrument in a blur. Kouyaté strikes the balafon’s keys with rapid precision, its hollowed gourd resonators sending their rich, staccato sound into orbit, and the energy he generates is electric.
On the third date of a tour titled When I See You, the live arrangements breathe new life into already dazzling compositions. Kouyaté is a confident live performer, easily locating each groove and letting the band’s hearty rhythm section sway him. Crowd favourites Balafô Douma and Aros Y Fi Yna get the whole room moving, yet we see the depth of the musician’s skill during self-accompanied solos: stirring displays of his griot heritage, at once vulnerable and searingly impressive.
Taking care to administer sufficient praise to his touring outfit, Kouyaté lets each member have their own moments of solo triumph, with the evening reaching its climax in a cascade of drum fills and howling guitar. By the time the multi-instrumentalist alights the stage, his set’s good vibes have spread like wildfire through the room.
N’Famady Kouyaté, The Moon, Cardiff, Fri 15 Mar
words CJ WAGSTAFF photos CHLOE JACKSON-NOTT
