Mali: Habib Koite & Bamada - Foro Bana (Prague 2009)

Habib Koite (b. 1958) is an internationally known Malian musician who sings and plays the guitar. He is well known primarily for his unique approach to playing the guitar by tuning it on a pentatonic scale and playing on open strings. Except the (traditional) sound of his country, he can also play a new latin style and a style which is called Malian Blues. Koite's vocal style is intimate and relaxed, emphasizing calm, moody singing rather than operatic technical prowess.

His supporting group "Bamada" is a super band of West African talented members. They play guitar, bass, drum set, harmonica, violin, calabasa, and kora. Koite composes and arranges all songs, singing in English, French, and Bambara...