genre: Mande music

• 
  review February 27, 2013

  The Griot’s Craft

  It has been awhile since we’ve heard new work from Sékouba Bambino (Diabaté), veteran singer of Guinea’s legendary Bembeya Jazz, and probably the pre-eminent Guinean vocalist of the past two decades. This session, featuring a rich blend of acoustic instruments … Read more »

• 
  blog December 11, 2012

  Keletigui Diabate, A Remembrance

  I was very sorry to hear of the death of the great Malian maestro, Keletigui Diabaté, who passed away in Bamako on November 30, 2012—81 years old. Keletigui was a legend. Born in Kita, Mali, a balafon whiz kid from … Read more »

• 
  feature October 24, 2012

  Afro-Montreal

  The Rise and Glory of Afro-Montreal The Nuits d’Afrique Festival in Montreal started in 1987, and for 26 years, has delivered a top-notch lineup of international and local acts playing music from Africa and the diaspora. The big names have … Read more »

• 
  blog September 25, 2012

  Musicians for Mali: NYC Benefit Concert

  Awa Sangho, (c) Jack Vartoogian/FrontRowPhotos) On Saturday, September 22, NYC’s City Winery was the site for a truly special grassroots benefit concert, Musicians for Mali. Co-produced by the Mali-inspired jam band Toubab Krewe, public radio’s Afropop Worldwide and New York’s … Read more »

• 
  blog July 17, 2012

  Nuits D’Afriques: 26 Years of Afro-bliss in Montreal

  It’s summer in Montreal and once again African music is in the air. Twenty-six years ago, a young nightclub owner from Guinea–Lamine Touré–and a small team of African music enthusiasts mounted the first Nuits d’Afrique festival on a single stage, … Read more »