Playing for change logo
  • Videos
  • Musicians
  • Band
  • Music
  • About
  • Shop
  • Blog
Português
Become a Member

Back to All Musicians

Barou Sall

Bassekou Kouyate

Segou, Mali

Biography

Bassekou Kouyate is one of the true masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa, and he has collaborated with many musicians in and outside of Mali: He played in the Symmetric trio alongside Toumani Diabate (kora) and Keletigui Diabate (balafon). He was part of Taj Mahal’s and Toumani Diabate’s ‘Kulanjan’ project, as well as being one of the key musicians on Ali Farka Toure’s posthumous album ‘Savane’ which was released July 2006. He toured with Ali Farka Toure leaving a lasting impression on the audience as the band’s solo ngoni player.

After his celebrated debut album ‘Segu Blue’ (Outhere Records) and the Grammy nominated follow up ‘I speak fula’ (Outhere Records), hundreds of concerts all over the globe, performing as headliner in the AfroCubism project. Just a few months ago, he appeared on stage together with Sir Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, Damon Albarn and many others at the latest Africa Express events.

In 2013 Bassekou Kouyate returned with his album ‘Jama ko’ (Outhere Records). The album was recorded during the coup d’etat in March 2012 and is Bassekou’s statement tot he ongoing crisis in Mali. The album was produced by Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Godspeed you! black emperor)and features Taj Mahal, Khaira Arby, Mocky Salole & many others. The album became album of the year in the World Music Charts Europe 2013 and became best world music album of the year in Les Inrockuptible, Mojo, Uncut & many others.

Bassekou’s fourth album Ba Power (and his first for Glitterbeat Records) is a striking, career defining record marked by mesmerizing songs, razor-sharp riffs and full-throttle emotions. The album contains all the swagger, precision and wide-eyed excitement that the title implies. It is the album where Bassekou’s music engages with the world in ways he could have only imagined 10 years before. It is the album where he confirms his status amongst the 21st centuries most relevant musical artists.

How we met:

We met with Bassekou in London, where he was performing with our friend Baaba Maal in July 2012.

 

Listen Bassekou Kouyaté
Hometown

Follow Bassekou Kouyate

PFC Videos Featuring Bassekou Kouyate
Queen Bee feat. Taj Mahal, Ben Harper, Rosanne Cash | Song Around The World

Dec 16, 2021

PFC 3: Songs Around The World Movie

May 04, 2020

La Bamba | Song Around The World

Feb 18, 2017

Discover Musicians
  • Niño Josele

    location_onMadrid, España
  • Gema 4

    location_onBarcelona, Spain
  • Alex GM

    location_onMetepec, Mexico
Explore Videos
Peace Life Jam | PFC Band

Dec 02, 2012

Hermanos | Nico Bereciartua | Live Outside

Feb 04, 2020

Walking Blues | Song Around The World

May 08, 2019

Recently From Our Blog
Protected: PFC BAND Live in Brazil

Posted on June 16, 2014


There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Continue reading
Want to see behind the scenes of PFC?
Become a Member
    • About
    • Contact
    • Team
    • Events
    • PFC Foundation
    • Blog
  • Become a Member
Playing for Change

Copyright © 2025 Playing for Change | Terms | Privacy