Fierce technique and untrammeled vision make the Malian fingerpicker Bassekou Kouyate’s name inseparable from the ngoni, an ancient West African lute that produces a fleet and percussive music similar to the banjo.
Kouyate’s band combines four modified ngonis — with extra strings for added kick — to create a sweetly explosive sound that infuses African rhythms with the bite of American blues. A BBC3 “Best African Act” award in 2008 elevated Kouyate’s prestige to rival Malian titan Ali Farka Touré. With spirited vocals courtesy of Amy Sacko, Kouyate’s wife, this band is simply a joy.
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Friday, October 14 • 8 pm
Reynolds Industries Theater
Tickets: $28 • $22 • $5 Duke students
Bassekou Kouyate recordings available:
- In North America: Segu Blue, I Speak Fula
- In Europe: I Speak Fula, Segu Blue
Tickets for all concerts on sale through Duke Performances’ website: www.dukeperformances.org, at the Duke University Box Office on the top level of the Bryan Center, or by calling (919) 684-4444.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
