Habib Koité
The modern griot
The Malian guitarist Habib Koité, one of Africa most renowned musicians, comes from a noble line of Khassonké griots, traditional storytellers and musicians. Born into a large family, he learned to play the guitar by accompanying his mother and inherited his passion for music from his grandfather, a kamele nGoni player.
Initially destined to become an engineer, Habib turned to music, studying at the Institut national des arts (INA) in Bamako. After only six months, he became conductor of the school orchestra, INA Stars.
In 1988, Habib formed his group, Bamada, and attracted international attention in 1991 with the hit “Cigarette A Bana”. He released his first album Muso Ko in 1994, followed by Ma Ya in 1998, which topped the world music charts and sold over 100,000 copies. His albums Baro (2001), Afriki (2007), Brothers in Bamako (2012), Soô (2015), Kharifa (2019) have further enhanced his reputation.
Known for his unique guitar style, Habib combines Malian traditions with influences from blues, jazz and Afro-Cuban music.
Habib has toured extensively, giving more than 2,000 concerts around the world. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Eric Bibb, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Brown, and has also participated in projects such as Acoustic Africa (with Vusi Malahasela and Oliver Mtukudsi), Desert Blues (with Tartit & Afel Bocoum)
habibkoite.com
Aly Keïta
The balafon master
Aly Keïta, master of the balafon, was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and was introduced to the instrument at a very young age by his father.
Recognized worldwide for his exceptional talent, Keïta collaborates or has
collaborated with renowned artists such as Omar Sosa, Joe Zawinul, Pharoah Sanders, Trilok Gurtu, Jan Garbareck, Lucas Niggli, among others.
Alongside his numerous collaborations, Aly develops his own projects as a soloist or in a trio (a new album is due for release shortly in 2025).
Now based in Berlin, he fuses African rhythms, polyphony and jazz to create a unique musical experience, characterized by his extraordinary virtuosity.
Aly Keïta’s performances are celebrated for their vibrant energy and emotional depth.
“I want my music to be alive and full of energy, hope and love,” he says, with the aim of sharing his joy with his audience.
https://www.alykeitabalafon.com/
Lamine Cissokho
Lamine Cissokho, a griot born in Casamance, Senegal, comes from a renowned family of musicians whose traditions date back to the 14th century. Introduced to the kora by his father, Sana Cissokho, as a child,
Lamine was also inspired by his great-uncle, the legendary kora master Lalo Keba Drame.
Initially performing traditional Mandinka melodies, he then developed his own compositions, blending Mandinka tradition with jazz, oriental music and Nordic folk influences.
Lamine composed and arranged more than 200 songs and recorded six albums between 2011 and 2023.
He regularly performs with American bluesman Eric Bibb, Oliver Hutman (FR) and Manish Pingle (India).
His unique style pushes the boundaries of the kora, making him an extraordinary musician. His music is a fusion of African, Eastern and jazz traditions, offering both rhythmic energy and meditative calm.
https://laminecissokhokora.com/
Mama Koné
The multi-percussionist
Born in 1983 in Mopti, Mali, Mama Kone was raised in a family of griots, surrounded by traditional instruments like the balafon, djembe, ngoni and talking drum.
At 12, he began learning the pentatonic balafon, laterpicking up the djembe with guidance from his older brother.
In 2012, Kone’s career took off when Habib Koité invited him to collaborate on the Brothers in Bamako album with U.S. bluesman EricBibb.
This collaboration led to his contributions on Koité’s albums Soô (2014)
and Kharifa (2019). Since then, Kone has been a key member of Koité’s touring band, specializing in the calabash and djembe, while alsoproviding backing vocals.
Outside his work with Koité, Kone remains active in Bamako’s music scene, playing traditional instruments
with local groups