Mandé Sila, Habib Koité, Aly Keita, Lamine Cissokho, and Mama Koné

Although Habib Koite is one of Africa’s most recognised musicians, I was only exposed to his music back a few years ago when I heard Drapeau playing in my friends car, and was immediately captivated by the incredible guitar playing, and distinctive vocals. From humble beginnings living in a small town on a railway line in Senegal, Koite has worked incredibly hard to be where he is today. It’s evident that he’s been playing guitar for many years by his unique style and confidence with the instrument. He began playing with his mother at a very young age, and eventually enrolled in the National Institute of Arts in Mali, where he progressed quickly.

I was super excited to see him in concert, as I’d heard a lot about his improvised tracks and the incredible band he had playing with him, and I must say, I was absolutely blown away from start to finish. He opened the show with Oh My Way to Bamako, and he immediately called out for everyone to get to their feet and dance along to the African drum beat provided by his band member on the bongos. Koite’s guitar playing was simply phenomenal, and the way that he was able to sing and dance along simultaneously was astounding.