Outdoors

World Music Series in the Garden: Prince Diabaté and the Kora

Sunset Park, Santa Monica

Fri, September 13, 2024 7:00 PM, PDT

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: Bring your own drinks
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair Accessible
: Kid-friendly event

This is an outdoor groupmuse

A live in-person performance in a backyard or another outdoor space. They're casual and friendly, hosted by community members.

Host

Merrihew's Sunset G.

Join us for a world music series at Santa Monica’s iconic plant nursery, Merrihew’s Sunset Gardens. Merrihew's transforms into an intimate gathering space after hours, so come and enjoy a summer night of eclectic world music amongst the plants + under the stars. On September 13th, we welcome the great Prince Diabaté — Prince of the Kora.

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Prince Diabaté hails from a prominent, Malinké family from Guinea, West Africa. He learned his art from his father, Djéli Sori Diabaté. Breaking with tradition, his father also taught Prince's mother, Hadja Djéli Sira Cissoko, to play kora. The young boy became an exceptionally early starter by accompanying his parents to their concerts throughout West Africa. Despite his father's disapproval, he decided to make music his life. When he was eight years old, former Guinean President, Sekou Touré, came to his home town, Kindia, for a celebration in Independence Square. Braving the outraged soldiers and his own fear, the young musician grasped his kora, threw himself at the President's feet and played a special song for him. Greatly touched by his skill and audacity, Sekou Touré became his benefactor, enrolling him into the National Children's Theatre in Conakry. At 16 years of age, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he stumbled upon a videocassette of Jimi Hendrix and, inspired by what he heard, entered an international kora competition. Taking first prize that day he became known as 'Prince Diabaté, Prince of the Kora.'

Opening set by local guitar duo Guitarras Hermanas.

Plus - enjoy West African snacks available for purchase from Sumptuous in Marina Del Rey!

Please note that doors open at 7pm and the show will begin shortly thereafter. And don't forget all concert guests can enjoy after-hours shopping + 15% off all evening.

See ya soon - it's going to be magical!