12/3
Bassekou Kouyaté& Amy Sacko (ML)
Bassekou is a pioneering virtuoso of the ngoni, the traditional West African long-necked lute, which he has brought into the modern era by adding extra strings and using contemporary effects pedals. His distinctive sound weaves together blues, jazz, rock, and traditional Malian music – a rich tapestry that speaks to the blues’ deep roots in Mali. As Taj Mahal put it, “He is a genius and living proof that the blues comes from Mali.”
Born in the village of Garana on the banks of the Niger River, Bassekou grew up in a family of griots – storytellers, musicians, and guardians of oral tradition. His career took off through collaborations with stars such as Toumani Diabaté, Ali Farka Touré, Youssou N’Dour, Béla Fleck, and Damon Albarn, and he has since performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Central Park in New York to London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Since the mid-1990s, he has shared both stage and life with Amy Sacko, one of Mali’s most celebrated singers. Her powerful and expressive voice elevates the music to new heights – she is often referred to as “the Tina Turner of Mali.” Together they lead Ngoni Ba, a band whose explosive energy and rhythmic depth turn every performance into a journey through the musical heart of Mali.
On stage:
Bassekou Kouyaté – lead ngoni
Amy Sacko – lead vocal
Bassekou is a pioneering virtuoso of the ngoni, the traditional West African long-necked lute, which he has brought into the modern era by adding extra strings and using contemporary effects pedals. His distinctive sound weaves together blues, jazz, rock, and traditional Malian music – a rich tapestry that speaks to the blues’ deep roots in Mali. As Taj Mahal put it, “He is a genius and living proof that the blues comes from Mali.”
Born in the village of Garana on the banks of the Niger River, Bassekou grew up in a family of griots – storytellers, musicians, and guardians of oral tradition. His career took off through collaborations with stars such as Toumani Diabaté, Ali Farka Touré, Youssou N’Dour, Béla Fleck, and Damon Albarn, and he has since performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Central Park in New York to London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Since the mid-1990s, he has shared both stage and life with Amy Sacko, one of Mali’s most celebrated singers. Her powerful and expressive voice elevates the music to new heights – she is often referred to as “the Tina Turner of Mali.” Together they lead Ngoni Ba, a band whose explosive energy and rhythmic depth turn every performance into a journey through the musical heart of Mali.
On stage:
Bassekou Kouyaté – lead ngoni
Amy Sacko – lead vocal