Conversations from the skin of the drum — stories of heritage, rhythm, and the griot tradition carried across continents.
Karim opens the series in his own words — the Mbaye lineage, growing up in Kaolack, and what it truly means to carry centuries of griot heritage in your hands.
Referenced in this episode
Masters of the Sabar — Patricia Tang
Wolof Griot Percussionists of Senegal
My mother Agida Seck walked into Iba Mar Diop stadium when no woman had ever drummed there publicly. What she did that day shaped everything I became.
One hand, one stick — and the drum begins to speak in Wolof. I explain the galan technique and the four voices of the Sabar ensemble.
The kora entered my life like a different conversation — and RIMKA was born from the space between tradition and innovation.
Playing alongside Ray Charles, recording at Abbey Road with Baaba Maal — I claimed those stages with the full weight of my lineage behind me.
Africa Oyé, Liverpool — the crowd came to feel something. I start with the drum, not with explanation. Here is how I build a full ceremony in forty minutes.
National Museums Liverpool asked me to come in and teach. I said yes — but on one condition. We do this properly.