HAILING from Casamance in the lush south of Senegal, in West Africa, Jali Fily Cissokho, pictured, is a world-class artist and master of the Kora – an African harp made of gourd and goat skin. Now living in Witney, this Mandinkan griot, a traditional poet, storyteller and singer, has charmed and delighted concert, carnival and festival audiences with lilting performances of breathtaking beauty.

He tells us: “When I play the kora it takes me to a place of peace. I like to make people feel happy and peaceful. It’s my job in life.

“My music can be peaceful or rocking – chilling you out or getting you on your feet, dancing.”

Jali Fily brings his kora to Cowley Road tonight (Friday) when he headlines a night of music to raise money for the African-Caribbean Kultural Heritage Initiative (Ackhi) at the East Oxford Community Centre.

Also playing are Afro-pop band Nairobi, featuring talented guitarist, and Oxford Mail reporter, Pete Hughes, and dance-pop act Duchess.

And if you like what you hear, learn to play it yourself at an Afro-beat workshop led by Dele Sosimi of Fela Kuti.

Tickets: £5 from wegottickets.com or pick one up on the door.