Late Show: Boi Akih: Storyteller
Monica Akihary vocals / baskalimba / electronics, Niels Brouwer guitar, Sekou Dioubate kora, Dodó Kis recorders, Vernon Chatlein, Nippy Noya percussion
BOI AKIH’s new album Storyteller tells a story in colors and sounds, full of unexpected encounters. The band of singer Monica Akihary and guitarist / composer Niels Brouwer effortlessly interweaves modern jazz and improvised music with folk traditions from all over the world. This time they are assisted by recorders player Dodó Kis and kora player Sekou Dioubate. Together they evoke a world where boundaries dissolve and distances between places, times and traditions no longer exist.
Brouwer developed a striking and unique kora with kora player Zoumana Diarra especially for Storyteller; with a special extension they made the instrument suitable for the pieces of BOI AKIH. But in July of this year, in the midst of preparations for the first Storyteller concert, their musical soul mate and dear friend passed away.
BOI AKIH found a worthy replacement in Sekou Dioubate. A kora player who, like Zoumana Diarra, combines his knowledge of the West African music tradition with an inquiring mind. Dodó Kis also has that curious nature; she too moves nomadically between styles and traditions. These two young musicians give BOI AKIH a whole new character.
Special guests at the CD presentation are Nippy Noya and Vernon Chatlein on percussion.