Trio Da Kali and Kronos Quartet Release New Album: Ladilikan

In June 2016 Malian singer Hawa Kassé Mady Diabate joined us for Africa Express presents Terry Riley’s In C Mali. She  performed both at Holland Festival (Amsterdam) and Les Nuits Des Fourvieres in Lyon. The daughter of Mali’s greatest traditional singer Kassé Mady Diabate, Hawa is joined by some of Mali’s most renowned musicians. Her star studded band Trio Da Kali, features Lassana Diabaté on balafon and Mamadou Kouyaté on bass ngoni. The trio are set to release their debut album Ladilikan on 15th September on World Circuit Records.

The album is a collaboration with leading San Francisco based Kronos Quartet, also known as the world’s most adventurous string quartet, with over 60 albums under their belt. Kronos and Da Kali come together, blending southern Mali’s Mande sonorities with Kronos’ mix of violas, violin and cello. The group collaborated with American composer Jacob Garchik to arrange Trio Da Kali’s repertoire, bringing it into new uncharted territory.

Listen to the result below, Eh Ya Ye Ye is the first single off the debut album ‘Ladilikan’ by Trio Da Kali and Kronos Quartet, out on 15th September:

You can pre-order Ladilikan (out on World Circuit Records) here .

Photo by Jay Blakesberg


Oumou Sangare's New Album: Mogoya out on May 19th!

Luckily for Africa Express, Oumou Sangaré has graced our stages twice, once at BBC Electric Proms at Koko in 2008 and at Paris’ Hotel De Ville in 2009. Now we’re delighted to hear that the Malian superstar is releasing her new album Mogoya (meaning “people today”) on Nø Format on May 19th 2017! Whilst last year saw the re-issue of her seminal debut album Moussolou, this is the first taste of new solo music from Oumou Sangaré since 2012.

You’ll hear a mix of traditional instruments including the kamele n’goni (harp), karignan (metal scraper) and calabash blend with electric guitar, keys, bass and synths on the album. “It was new for me because my music has never had this kind of arrangement and sound before. I’ve been totally in the tradition for years now so to get out of that and have a look around elsewhere was a total pleasure,” said Oumou in describing the creative process behind the album.

Oumou will also be performing at Scala in London with her own band on 16th May for the first time since 2011, a show not to be missed. Tickets are on sale here now.

Wrap your ears around the “colourfully invigorating” first track off the record ‘Yere Faga’ which features master drummer and long time Africa Express friend Tony Allen.

Stream it here:

Header photo by Susan Schulman.


Salif Keita at Barbican, February 10th!

Malian singer and living legend Salif Keita performs at London’s Barbican Centre on February 10th. The world renowned artist brings his blend of griot sensibility, rock, jazz and funk to London for one night only. He will be supported by Kora virtuouso Sona Jobarteh. She will be performing material from her debut album Fayisa. 

Tickets for the show are available here. You also have a chance to catch Salif in Cambridge on 11th Feb. Don’t miss out, and watch the videos below for a taste of what’s in store!