Trio Da Kali – Bagola (One World Records, 2025)
In Bagola, Trio Da Kali presents a scintillating collection of newly composed songs, in which the listener is treated to exquisite balafon and ngoniba (a bass ngoni) performances. In addition, the album highlights the extraordinary voice of Hawa Kasse Mady Diabaté, daughter of the late Kasse Mady Diabaté, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest singers.
Hawa’s voice stands out for its authenticity, expressiveness, and emotional depth. She skillfully transitions from the lively 9/8 rhythms of the title track “Bagola,” a satirical take on Malian society, to the moving “Orpaillage,” an impromptu studio composition lamenting the environmental toll of gold mining.
The trio’s musical director, Lassana Diabaté, is a virtuoso balafon player from Guinea, known for his work with Toumani Diabaté’s Symmetric Orchestra and the Afro-Cuban fusion project Afrocubism. His mastery of the chromatic balafon, which features two 22-key rosewood instruments, allows him to create intricate, timeless and beautiful melodies and rhythmic patterns.
Madou Kouyaté, the youngest member of the group and son of renowned musician Bassekou Kouyaté, anchors the trio with his skillful ngoniba playing. His deep, resonant vocals add harmonic intensity and warmth, enhancing the ensemble’s signature sound.
Founded in 2013 through the Aga Khan Music Programme with producer Lucy Durán, Trio Da Kali gained international recognition with Ladilikan (2017), a groundbreaking collaboration with Kronos Quartet. With Bagola, the trio continues to refine their distinctive style, where West African tradition meets innovation.
Bagola was recorded by Timothe Gumy at MidiLive Studios, Paris in 13,14 and 15 January 2023. It was later mixed and mastered by Javier Monteverde at Cezanne Producciones Madrid. Except for “Deme” (bonus track, 11) recorded in Tikan Jah Fakoly’s studio, Bamako, 2015.
Trio Da Kali: Hawa Kasse Mady Diabaté on vocals; Lassana Diabaté on balafon; and Madou Kouyate on ngoniba and backing vocals. Additional musicians: Harouna Samake on kamale ngoni; Lucy Durán on backing vocals and handclaps; and Javier Monteverde on handclaps.
Produced by Lucy Durán. Executive Production, Saul Presa.
Release date: 28 February 2025
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.