Afropop Worldwide

Guitari Baro is a striking new instrumental trio from Mali and Guinea that made their debut at the 2025 Dakar Music Expo — and immediately became a sensation. Their debut album, simply called Guitari Baro, was released in October. The group features guitarists Gaoussou Kouyaté and Kerfala Diabaté alongside balafon maestro Lassana Diabaté, weaving intricate, soulful textures that honor deep tradition while sounding utterly fresh.

The album was produced by Lucy Duran, Dudu Sarr (manager of Youssou N'Dour), and musician Pape Armand Boye. Our reviewer calls it “a gem — luminous, grounded, and quietly transformative.”