- country:Mali
- region:West Africa
- style(s):Manding
- label:Real World Records
- instrumentation:vocal, electronic, guitar
- artist posted by:Real World Records / WOMAD
Line up
- Jacknife Lee
- Rokia Koné
Links
It’s a voice that soars – pure, clear and true — above bass and synths, traditional percussion and infectious Mande guitar grooves. A stop-you-in-your-tracks voice instantly familiar to anyone in Mali, West Africa: Rokia Koné, aka the Rose of Bamako.
One of Mali’s most beloved and dynamic artists, Koné is a force to be reckoned with. Her captivating performances in the city’s local maquis clubs very often last for hours, as Koné runs the gamut of emotion from joy to despair, fury to tenderness, wielding that astounding voice with grace and power.
For her debut album, Koné might have been content with showing off that soulful instrument on a traditional repertoire of songs. Instead she’s teamed with Irish-born, California-based rock producer Jacknife Lee — and reimagined the Malian sound in ways leftfield and ground breaking.
Welcome, then, BAMANAN, a collaboration that connects the great ancient kingdoms of Mali and the bustling modern street life of its capital, Bamako to a remote recording studio nestled within California’s Topanga Canyon. That bridges deep tradition and forward-facing innovation.
BAMANAN is out on 18 February 2022 on Real World Records. The first single, 'N'yanyan', is out on 27 October 2021.
Contact 3D Family for live booking enquiries.
