Alpha Ousmane “Hama” Sankaré (also known as Pedro) was a western African legend. He was a fundamental member of the bands of many great artists of Mali: Ali Farka Toure, Afel Bocoum, le Troupe Regionale de Niafunké, l’Orchestre de Gao, Songhoy Allstars, and Mamadou Kelly’s BanKaiNa.
Sankare appeared on several Ali Farka Toure albums: The Red Album, The Source, Talking Timbuktu, Niafunke and Savane.
Hama’s percussion and vocals can be heard on many of Mali’s essential recordings. He was the master of contemporary calabash percussion as well as a highly influential composer, arranger and instrumentalist.
Hama Sankare released two albums produced by Chris Nolan’s Clermont Music label: “Ballebe”and “Niafunke.”
Hama Sankare was killed in Mali on March 29, 2020 by a roadside bomb.
Discography:
Ballébé (Clermont Music, 2018)
Niafunke (Clermont Music, 2019)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.