Habib Koité is one of the great stars of world music. With charisma and skill, he brings Mali's rich musical culture closer to a wide audience. His guitar style, inspired by the ngoni lute, combines fine playing with rhythmic drums and shapes his special sound. His songs tell of everyday life, history and society of Mali - deeply rooted, but open to the world - he combines tradition and modernity in a unique way. Since this year, the Malian musician has been presenting a new project, "Mandé Sila", an acoustic quartet that celebrates the diversity of West African musical cultures. Habib Koité will be accompanied by three virtuoso artists: the magical balafon master Aly Keïta (Ivory Coast), the kora player Lamine Cissokho (Senegal), who comes from a famous griot family, and his long-time percussionist Mama Koné (Mali). Together they celebrate the "Mandé Sila", the musical path of the Manding Empire, which unites the languages, cultures and musical diversity of West Africa. "Mandé Sila" provides a moment of cultural encounter and harmony between the artists. The repertoire consists of original compositions that come alive through the mastery of traditional instruments and the fusion of different styles – from West African rhythms to oriental and jazz influences.

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