Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho

Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. One of Africa’s most popular and recognized musicians, Habib Koité is a modern troubadour with extraordinary appeal due to his musicianship, wit, and wisdom. The Kora player Lamine Cissokho is the descendant of a famous griot family whose traditions date back to the 14th century, passing traditional pieces down from generation to generation. Aly Keïta gained worldwide recognition for his mastery of the balafon, impressive virtuosity, and unique sound. Three virtuoso artists linked by the same cultural heritage; a melting pot that inspires their compositions and sublimates the renewal of the genre.

Joining the trio onstage will be Habib’s longtime percussionist, Mama KONE (Djembe, Calabash, electronic pad) who has also performed with Eric Bibb.

His reputation as a guitar player has become almost mythical, combining rock and classical techniques with Malian tunings that make the guitar sound like a kora or ngoni – The New York Times

The biggest pop star of the West African nation of Mali – Rolling Stone

In his case, the unfamiliarity of the language was no problem, largely because of his communicative manner – kneeling down at the stage edge to interact with the crowd – dancing in unison with his musicians – made such a clear – nonverbal connection with his listeners- The Los Angeles Times