Bassekou Kouyate

Malian ngoni maestro and traditional music innovator

Bassekou Kouyate is a renowned Malian musician and master of the ngoni, a traditional West African lute-like instrument. Born into a musical family, Kouyate has been instrumental in bringing the ngoni to the forefront of contemporary world music. He formed his band, Ngoni ba, which has been pivotal in modernizing and electrifying the sound of the ngoni. Throughout his career, Kouyate has collaborated with many artists and has been recognized for his innovative approach to traditional music. His album "I Speak Fula," released in 2009, earned him international acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional World Music Album. Bassekou Kouyate continues to be an influential figure in African music, blending the rich musical heritage of Mali with a wide range of global influences.