Event Details

Malian Music, Afro-Pop

Malian guitarist Habib Koité is one of Africa’s most recognized and well-known musicians. Habib Koité expresses an interest in all types of music, and his passion for the artistry of music can be heard in his work. His musical influences draw from different West African cultures, blues and flamenco. The eclecticism of Habib Koité’s music, complemented by his intimate singing voice and cadenced rhythm, has been said to reflect a pan-Malian sound that reflects the broad diversity of the music played in Malian communities and also incorporates other styles of music from around the world.

Koité, who learned how to play the guitar as a child by watching his parents, has led a rich career in playing, listening, teaching and learning music that spans over four decades. Since 1994, Habib Koité and his band, Bamada, have performed in nearly one thousand shows. In his latest work, “Afriki,” which means “Africa” in the Malian Bambara language, Koité sings about the strengths of and the challenges facing the African continent. Habib Koité’s open-minded approach to the creation of music, along with his music’s ability to unite people and reach out a global audience, have earned him fans from around the world.

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Starting at 6:30PM, and continuing through intermission, enjoy the Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song artists and visit vendors of African goods in the SOPAC Lobby!

Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song, founded by international musicians and teaching artists Lara Gonzalez & Yael Shacham, presents an artistic expression that fuses original songs and spoken word with traditional West African rhythm and dance - showcasting indigenous instruments from Guinea. Their infection energy, genuin warmth, and rock-solid musical talent place them in high demand for group shows of every genrea, from World to Jazz to Folk to Rock to Spoken Word and even Metaphysical. Marafanyi is known for diverse transformational power of drum, dance and song for all afes and populations.

They are pleased to have recently collaborated for Guinean Master Artist, M'Bembe Bangoura and Guinean Griot & Balafon Master, Famaro Dioubate. Marafanyi has also supported Congolese guitarist Dominic Kanza and his African Rhythm Machine at MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) and Grammy award winner, Angelique Kidjo from Benin at SOPAC. In addition, Lara & Yael frequently travel to Guinea for professional development and assistance projects. Visit www.marafanyi.com for more information.

Official Habib Koité website

Habib Koité & Bamada - Massaké from Cumbancha on Vimeo.