MANDE SILA (HABIB KOITE, ALY KEITA, LAMINE CISSOKHO)

Three emblematic standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to offer a unique celebration of the Mandé Sila, a symbol of Mandingo heritage, in which the kora plays an essential role. The term “Mandé Sila” refers to the voice of the Manding empire, embodying the soul of the languages, cultures and, above all, the rich musical tradition of West Africa. Don’t miss this exceptional world premiere concert before the band takes off on a tour of the USA!

Renowned Malian guitarist Habib Koité is one of the most respected figures in contemporary African music. Celebrated by the New York Times as a legend in his own right, combining rock and classical techniques with Malian chords that make the guitar sound like a kora or ngoni, this modern troubadour captivates with his musicality, wit and wisdom.

At his side, kora master Lamine Cissokho, descendant of a long line of griots dating back to the 14th century, perpetuates ancestral traditions with breathtaking virtuosity. His playing of the kora, that majestic 21-string instrument, evokes tales of the past and brings to life the musical history of the Mandé.

The trio is completed by balafon virtuoso Aly Keïta, internationally renowned for his unrivalled technique and unique talent for making this traditional instrument resonate with a refreshing modernity. Together, these three musicians form a melting pot in which tradition and contemporary creations merge to offer a renewal of Mandingo music.

Habib Koité’s long-time companion, percussionist Mama Kone, also joins this exceptional group. A specialist in the djembe, calabash and electronic pad, he brings a percussive touch to this unforgettable sonic experience, which he has already shared with artists such as Eric Bibb.

Following the huge success of their first 17-date U.S. tour, Mandé Sila will hit the roads of Europe in summer 2025.

ERIC BIBB

In 2019, eminent bluesman Eric Bibb and Lamine met. They have since collaborated on several concerts, including at the Philarmonie de Paris and Stockholm’s Scala Teater. They are currently working on their first joint album, due for release in 2025.

OLIVIER HUTMAN

Olivier Hutman i a French jazz pianist with an impressive talent and background.

Composer and arranger in jazz for a variety of famous nams such David Gilmore, Maurice Béjart, Michel Legrand. Musician for Dee Dee Bridgewaters, Pepper Adamns and many more. Olivier

has been playing and touring since 30 years around the world and received various awards from, among others, the French Academy of Jazz.

More about him on www.olivierhutman.com

MANISH PINGLE

Manish Pingle is currently one of the finest slide guitar players (also know as a Mohan Veena) around. After few years of learning basics of classical vocal, he started his initial training in Indian slide guitar with Late Shri Vishnu Waliwadekar.From the years he spent studying with his Guru, he has developed a unique right hand picking style, blending it with powerful left hand slides.

Besides performing in many prestigious music festivals in India, Manish has also performed in various countries in Europe and Australia and has collaborated with « big names » as the Blues legend Michael Messer.

More about Manish on www.manishpingle.com

The meeting between Lamine and Manish is the meeting between two masters. They create together an unique and intricate music and released 2019 a first album, « New Continent », a beautiful and breathtaking one.

FANTA YAYO

Fanta Yayo is a singer and dancer from Guinea, who lives in Sweden since several years. She comes from a famous family of guinean musicians. Her voice is powerful and her charisma impressive.