Habib Koité & Bamada

One of Africa's most exciting performers, Habib Koité plays music that reflects the diverse musical traditions of his Malian homeland while remaining connected to his cosmopolitan life experiences. Born in 1958 in Khassonké, near the border of Senegal, he developed his unique guitar style accompanying his griot mother. Accompanied by his band Bamada, Koité has released a number of successful and critically acclaimed albums, including Ma Ya and Baro on Putumayo. In 2002, Koité recorded a duet with Bonnie Raitt, one of his biggest supporters, for her album Silver Lining. Over the past 10 years, Habib and his band have performed more than 600 concerts for adoring audiences in far-flung locations such as Japan, Australia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan. With their engaging stage presence and expert musicianship, Habib Koité and Bamada have earned a spot in the upper echelon of African artists.