Momi Maiga - Museum Angewandte Kunst - Frankfurt am Main

Dieses Konzert ist Teil der durch Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain geförderten Jazz is My Democracy Reihe. Der oder die KünstlerIn wird vor dem Konzert vor Publikum interviewt.

Jazz is My Democracy x Jazzklub

Der Jazzklub ist ein dreimonatiges hybrides Ausstellungs-, Konzert- und Veranstaltungsprojekt zum Thema „Jazz“ im Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt am Main. Im Zentrum eines größeren Ausstellungsparcours entsteht ein Jazzklub, der in Kooperation mit Jazz Montez zum Ort für mehr als 60 Konzerte, Veranstaltungen und Workshops wird.

Im Rahmen des Jazzklub-Projektes, wird das bereits bestehende journalistische Format „Jazz Is My Democracy“ in mehrere Formate erweitert: Konzertabende, Tanzvermittlung und Dialogformate verknüpfen den Jazz mit demokratischen Werten, politischem Bewusstsein und gesellschaftlicher Verantwortung. Künstler:innen, Kulturwissenschaftler:innen und politische Aktivist:innen setzen mit den Formaten ein Zeichen gegen Rassismus und rechte Gewalt. Das mit „Jazz Is My Democracy“ verbundene Tanzvermittlungsprogramm beleuchtet die Verknüpfung von Jazz und Tanz aus einer gesellschaftspolitischen Perspektive. Es bietet interaktive Workshops, Performances und Diskussionsformate, die sich mit der afro-diasporischen Geschichte des Jazz, der Widerstandskultur und der Rolle von Jazz in gesellschaftspolitischen Diskursen auseinandersetzen.

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BIOGRAPHY

At just 26 years old, Momi Maiga stands out as a virtuoso of his instrument (the kora), a skilled
vocalist, and a self-taught composer with a remarkable musical sensibility.

In his compositions, he blends ethnic jazz, flamenco, and hints of European classical music. He primarily
sings in Mandinka and Wolof, addressing important themes of our time through music.

Raised in the Casamance region in southern Senegal, amidst the rich musical heritage of West Africa, Momi Maiga hails from the renowned Cissokho family of musicians and was nurtured in their rich musical traditions. His artistic legacy, following the ancestral heritage of the griots, deeply connects him with the traditions of the Mandés and their repertoire. At the age of six, he began playing the kora, one of the region's most revered instruments.

Two decades later, now based in Girona, Spain, Maiga has distinguished himself as a singer, versatile
instrumentalist, band leader, and courageous and talented composer, making a name for himself in Spain, Belgium, and France.

In late 2022, Momi released his debut album, "Nio," which led him to perform in over 70 concerts with his quartet, including 30 internationally in cities across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. Now, in October 2024, he presents his second album, "Kairo," whose title means "peace" in
Mandinka, his mother tongue.

Momi continues to collaborate with his talented team of musicians, including Catalan percussionist Aleix
Tobias Sabater, cellist Marçal Ayats, and Mexican violinist Carlos Montfort. These musicians have shared
the stage with renowned Spanish artists such as Marco Mezquida and Silvia Pérez Cruz.

Synopsis Kairo

“Momi Maiga is harmony beyond borders"

Momi Maiga - Kora, Vocals Carlos Montfort - Violins, Vocals Aleix Tobias - Drums, Percussions and Vocals Marçal Ayats - Cello, Vocals Line up Following a successful start to his professional career with the debut album "NIO" (October 2022), which led him to perform in over 70 concerts with his quartet, 30 of them internationally in cities across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, Momi Maiga presents his second album titled "Kairo" in October 2024.

The choice of the term "Kairo," which means "peace" in Mandinka, his mother tongue, is representative of this exceptional musical work. This new album stands out for its masterful fusion of musical genres and cultures, creating a blend of acoustic sounds complemented by compositions rich in meaning. Moreover, it prominently addresses various contemporary issues that affect us all more or less directly. From colonial policies of the past that hinder the free development of many African countries to the need for universal access to education and the forced migration process of many seeking a better life.

Momi continues to be accompanied by his talented team of musicians, including Catalan percussionist Aleix Tobias
Sabater, cellist Marçal Ayats, and Mexican violinist Carlos Montfort. These musicians have shared the stage with renowned
Spanish artists such as Silvia Pérez Cruz and Marco Mezquida.

Each song of "Kairo" is a unique piece that contributes to the musical richness of the performance, creating a powerful and moving experience that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. The ensemble forms an extremely contemporary work, a dynamic and constant dialogue between cultures expressed through jazz, flamenco, Mediterranean sounds, European classical music, and complex yet fascinating rhythms.

The essence of the show comes to life with the presence of the four musicians on stage, captivating the audience immediately. Momi seduces the audience with his exquisite voice, always imbued with nuances taken from the traditional chants of the djelis of West Africa. With mastery and virtuosity, he leaves listeners hypnotized while exploring the twentytwo strings of the kora. The notes of Marçal's cello, between pizzicatos and bows, provide the musical backbone, while Aleix Tobias's subtle and almost ethereal percussion sounds, backed by his skill with instruments from various parts of the world, bring a unique sound to each piece. To all this is added the skill and sweetness of Carlos Montfort on the violin, enriching the quartet majestically. The fusion of styles and vibrant emotions are the fundamental pillars of this performance, full of energy and depth.