Ballake Sissoko - Djourou - VINYL LP

Vinyl LP pressing. The story-songs Farafina unleash on percussion (including djembe, tama and the thundering doumdouba bass drum; on flute, kora, soukou violin and two wooden balafon xylophones) were co-written by the many ensemble members, each of them steeped in the ancient art of the Manding griots. Call-and-response is frequent. Communication (between musicians, musicians and producers, the music and the listener) is key. Dancing is inevitable. Album Tracks 1. Mama Sara 2. Kara Mogo Mousso 3. Dounounia 4. Nanore 5. Faso Denou 6. Hereyo Mibi 7. Ourodara Sidiki 8. Lanaya 9. Bi Mousso

The legendary singer Salif Keita makes a grand return with So Kono, an acoustic and deeply intimate album. Salif Keita, Inchthe golden voice of Africa,Inch reveals himself for the first time in a stripped-down acoustic , reconnecting with his roots and his guitar, his long-time companion instrument.The idea of an acoustic album had long been dismissed by the artist himself. InchI'm not a guitarist; I use the guitar to compose,Inch he used to say, reluctant to expose this level of vulnerability. However, in 2023, during the Kyotophonie Festival in Japan, organized by photographer Lucille Reyboz and encouraged by producer Laurent Bizot (Nø Førmat!), something changed. Surrounded by the spirituality of a Zen temple and supported by his loyal musicians - Badié Tounkara on ngoni and Mamadou Koné on percussion - Salif agreed to bare himself like never before. The title So Kono, meaning Inchin the roomInch in Mandinka, reflects both the simplicity and depth of this album.Recorded in the intimacy of his hotel room, So Kono captures the very essence of Salif Keita a powerful voice, shaped by trials and travels, elevated by minimalist arrangements. Blending reimagined classics and new compositions, this album resonates as a sincere and timeless work, reaffirming why Salif Keita is considered one of the greatest living singers, across all cultures and continents. Album Tracks 1. Aboubakrin 2. Awa 3. Tassi 4. Kante Manfila 5. Chérie 6. Soundiata 7. Laban 8. Tu Vas Me Manquer 9. Proud

BAMANAN - Rokia Koné/Jacknife Lee - It's a voice that soars - pure, clear and true - above bass, synths, traditional percussion and infectious Mande guitar grooves. A stop-you-in-your-tracks voice instantly familiar with anyone in Mali, West Africa. On her debut international , Rokia Koné (aka the Rose of Bamako) teams up with Irish-born, California-based rock producer Jacknife Lee and reimagined the Malian sound in ways both leftfield and groundbreaking. [2 LP] Album Tracks 1. Bi Ye Tulonba Ye 2. Hezita 3. Kurunba 4. N'yanyan 1. Anw Tile 2. Soyi N'galanba 3. Bambougou N'tji 1. Dunden 2. Mayougouba 3. Mansa Soyari