Event

Trio Da Kali

Trio Da Kali is a group of outstanding musicians from the Mande culture of southern Mali who come from a long line of distinguished griots (hereditary musicians). Formed of voice, ngoni and balafon, the Trio bring a contemporary twist to ancient and neglected repertoires.

Hawa Kasse Mady Diabaté, daughter of legendary Kasse Mady Diabaté, is the singer of the trio, one of the finest griot voices in Mali (often compared to Mahalia Jackson). At home, Hawa performs mainly on the wedding circuit, singing at parties held on the streets of Bamako (the main context in which most musicians in Mali make a living).

The most distinctive feature of the Trio is the balafon, and Lassana Diabaté, formerly of Afrocubism and Toumani Diabaté's Symmetric Orchestra, is one of Mali's most astonishing players.

Its cascading lines, rippling and percussive riffs, and buzzing gourd resonators, are a familiar element in many Malian ensembles, but here for the first time the balafon is the lead instrument.

The youngest member of the trio is bass ngoni player Mamadou Kouyaté, the eldest son of world-renowned Bassekou Kouyaté. Still in his early 20s, he is one of Mali's most creative musicians of the new generation.