Habib Koité (Mali)

Habib Koité was born in Thiès, Senegal and comes from a Khassonké griotfamily from Kayes in western Mali. After studying at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako he formed his band Bamada and developed a distinctive guitar style. His albums Muso Ko (1995), Ma Ya (1998) and Afriki (2007) expanded his international audience, and collaborations with artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Eric Bibb and Jackson Browne, along with participation in ensemble tours like Acoustic Africa, helped introduce his music to listeners worldwide. Koité’s blend of tradition with innovation, endearing personality and steady touring has made him a central figure in contemporary Malian music.

Featured Song:

“Namania” draws on the dansa rhythm of Kayes and reflects on beauty, memory and the loss of familiar landscapes. Koité sings about a dark-skinned girl whose presence evokes both affection and nostalgia for places from his childhood. “I go to my little black girl / My little Moorish girl with ebony skin / The star that shines in the shade / I do not want to lose her like I lost the great trees on the riverbank.” Her beauty leads him to dream of things he has loved and lost.

Artist Website

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