FARMINGTON – As part of its yearlong series on Africa, the University of Maine at Farmington will present a performance by Ibrahima Seck, a West African musician and storyteller, Thursday, March 27.

This free event is open to the public and will be followed by a reception featuring tastes of West African food prepared by Aramark.

Seck, a Griot storyteller from Senegal, plays the kora, a traditional West African musical instrument, as he tells the history of his people through song and music. The Griot are members of a West African hereditary social class of musicians, oral historians and storytellers who pass their skills on to their descendants. Historically, the musicians use the kora, a 21-stringed lute-like instrument made from a large gourd covered in cowhide, to accompany their stories, poems, songs and proverbs; or as a solo instrument for entertainment.

The musical program will begin at 11:45 a.m. in The Landing in the UMF Olsen Student Center.