Bassekou Kouyate is a true master of the ngoni, a traditional lute found across West Africa. The music he coaxes from this simple instrument is extraordinary—intricately woven lines, crisp bluesy riffs, and rocking solos. Add the lilting griot melodies from Amy Sacko, Bassekou’s wife, and the driving West African rhythms from two percussionists and an additional ngoni player, and you’ve got Ngoni Ba, one of the hottest bands from Mali.
"Ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate can make notes bend like the sun's rays in the desert heat."—Time Out
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