Bassekou Kouyate

Bassekou Kouyate is the leading proponent of the Malian ngoni, a lute-like instrument found throughout West Africa. Having collaborated with a number of Western musicians, including U2 and Carlos Santana, Kouyate is one of the world's most visible African artists. He was born in a rural village on the bank of the Niger River, close to the city of Segu. Bassekou was surrounded by music from a young age, his mother a regionally known singer and his father and brothers all renowned ngoni players. He was steeped in traditional Malian music and apprenticed on the ngoni until moving...