Bassekou Kouyate is one of the true masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa.

He has collaborated with many musicians in and outside of Mali, such as Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate, Taj Mahal, Damon Alban, Joachim Kühn. He rejoices in his family band Ngoni Ba – an unusual band formation, which includes three players of the n’goni, manifested in its differing tonal sizes and 2 percussionists (talking drum, Yabara, Calebasse). Completed by the fantastic singer Amy Sacko, the band performed already at major festivals around the globe (e.g. Glastenbury, Roskilde, Fuji Rock Festival, North Sea jazz Festival, WOMAD). Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba have played several critically acclaimed concerts at Global and performed at ALICE in Spring 2019, just after the release of their fifth album “Miri” (Outhere Records, 2019). We’re looking forward to having them back this November.

Line-up:

Bassekou Kouyate – lead ngoni
Amy Sacko – lead vocals and backing vocals
Abou Sissoko – medium ngoni
Madou Kouyate – bass ngoni
Mahamadou Tounkara – percussion (doundoun, yabara, tama)
Moctar Kouyate – calebash

Said of Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba:

“In Kouyaté’s hands, the little lute, with its skin made from the head of a cow, becomes every bit as thuggish as a distorted Les Paul.” – Mojo Magazine