Habib Koité is one of Africa's most beloved and popular musicians. Now the Malian guitarist Koité and his band Bamada return to North America this spring with an 11-city tour, marking the first opportunity for this legendary African music figure to perform songs from his most recent and critically acclaimed album Afriki.
Afriki was released by Cumbancha last fall and features an appealing set of songs that reflect Habib's innovative approach to Malian music.
Years in the making and recorded on three continents, Afriki finds Habib exploring some new musical directions. The overarching theme of Afriki, which means "Africa" in the Malian Bambara language, is about the strengths and challenges of the African continent.
James Brown veteran Pee Wee Ellis arranged horns on the song "Africa," which calls upon Africans to take responsibility for their own future and not depend on the outside world.
Habib's artistry draws on styles from the different regions of Mali, rather than solely on the music of his particular area as most Malian musicians do. He has gained a strong fan base by integrating the rock and folk sounds of the Western world, without watering down his cherished Malian roots.
Habib descends from a line of griots, traditional troubadors who provide wit, wisdom and entertainment to the pubic. Taking this role to the world at large, his charisma and magnetism translates across cultures.
He has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, in a duet with Bonnie Raitt on her 2002 album Silver Lining, and nearly a thousand concerts on some of the world's most prestigious stages under his belt.
Habib Koite & Bamada Tour Dates
April 25th - Lafayette, LAwww.festivalinternational.com
April 26th - Lafayette, LAwww.festivalinternational.com
April 27th - Houston, TXwww.ifest.org
April 29th - Nashville, TNwww.belcourt.org
May 1st - New York, NYwww.highlineballroom.com
May 2nd - Northampton, MAwww.iheg.com
May 3rd - Somerville, MAwww.worldmusic.org
May 4th - Montreal, QCwww.latulipe.ca
May 7th - Providence, RIwww.lupos.com
May 8th - Arden, DEwww.ardenclub.com
May 9th - Washington, DCwww.lisner.org
May 10th - Black Mountain, NCwww.theleaf.com
USA
Your Talkback on this Story