Jaliba Kuyate, widely celebrated as the undisputed king of the Kora, has revealed the name given to him at birth, Muhammad Lamin, decades after earning his iconic title.

Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez show, Kuyate, whose artistry has carried Gambian culture across the globe, explained that the name “Jaliba” was bestowed by his father when he first enrolled in school.

The move, he said, was influenced by traditional beliefs.

“My father called me to the headmaster’s office and told them, ‘Give him Jaliba Kuyate,’” he recalled.

“I did have a name before school, but my father concealed it for some time. He believed revealing it too early could bring harm.”

Kuyate said the concealment was meant to protect him from superstitions associated with his original name, a precaution common in his cultural context.

“It took some time before he even revealed it to me… but finally he did,” he said.

The musician, who has spent decades blending traditional sounds with modern influences, said he now feels safe and unburdened by the old beliefs.

“Since then, I have embraced my birth name, Muhammad Lamin, but all my documents and work are under Jaliba Kuyate. It matches my music and the path I am on.”

Kuyate also reflected on the influences that shaped his musical journey, citing his parents and legendary kora players such as Lalo KebBa Drame, Ablai Sose, and Sinjulu Suso.

By Adama Makasuba