Genre: Traditional
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Description: One of Africa's most exciting performers, Habib Koité plays music that reflects the diverse musical traditions of his Malian homeland. Born in 1958 in Khassonké, near the border of Senegal, he developed his unique guitar style accompanying his griot mother. Accompanied by his band Bamada, Koité has released a number of successful and critically acclaimed albums, including Ma Ya and Baro on Putumayo. 

Koité has appeared on the The Late Show with David Letterman, in major magazines such as People and Rolling Stone, and National Public Radio's All Things Considered. In 2002, Koité recorded a duet with Bonnie Raitt on her album Silver Lining. Over the past 10 years, Habib and his band have performed over 600 concerts for adoring audiences in far-flung locations such as Japan, Australia, Brazil and Kazakhstan. With their engaging stage presence and expert musicianship, Habib Koité and Bamada always put on a show to remember.