Afriki
Malian guitarist Habib Koité is one of Africa’s most popular and recognised musicians. He comes from a noble line of Khassonké griots, traditional troubadours, and brings together various regional styles to create a new Pan-Malian music. His unique approach sees him play on open strings as one would on a kamale n’goni, a traditional four-stringed instrument from regional Mali. At other times Habib plays music that sounds closer to the blues or flamenco, two styles he studied under veteran Afro-Cuban musician, Khalilou Traoré. With his group, Bamada, he has released 3 World Music Chart-topping albums (the last 2 on the Putumayo label), which quickly helped establish him as one of world music’s most exciting new figures. “His reputation as a guitar player has become almost mythical”
– The New York Times