Photo Credit Dirk Leunis

One of Africa’s most popular and recognized musicians, Malian guitarist Habib Koité joins Bassekou Kouyaté, master of the traditional Malian lute known as the ngoni, for a night of African blues, March 5, 2019, 8PM at the George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at tocentre.com, by phone, or in person at select Civic Theatres Toronto box office.

Habib Koité and Bassekou Kouyaté are two eminences of African music and are performing together as part of an unprecedented international tour, performing songs from their repertoire, and accompanied by the powerful voice of the Malian singer Amy Sacko.

Recognized as “the biggest pop star of Mali” by Rolling Stone and called the “African Jimmy Hendrix” thanks to his unique guitar playing, Habib Koité’s artistry and magnetic personality have made him an international star, delighting audiences the world over, and placing him firmly among the leading figures in contemporary world music.

Breaking with tradition to electrify his instrument and play standing up, Bassekou Kouyaté is recognized as one of the best players of the banjo-like ngoni, a traditional Malian instrument. His talent has won him two BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music and two Grammy Award nominations. Time Out magazine said “Ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyaté can make notes bend like light rays in the desert heat.” Recently, Bassekou’s involvement with the critically acclaimed film ‘Mali Blues’ and his exceptional recording have earned him recognition throughout the world.

The performers are as follows:
Habib Koité – lead guitar/vocals
Bassekou Kouyaté – lead ngoni
Amy Sacko – lead vocals
Mama Koné – percussion
Madou Kouyaté – ngoni

Habib Koité and Bassekou Kouyaté
Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 8PM
George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St.
Single tickets range from $45.00 –$65.00
Tickets are available online at www.tocentre.com, by calling 1-855-985-ARTS (2787), or in person at the following Civic Theatres Toronto box offices:
Toronto Centre for the Arts Box Office, 5040 Yonge St., Tuesday-Saturday 1pm-6pm
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Box Office 27 Front St. E., Monday-Friday, 12pm – 6pm
Ticketmaster phone lines operate 9:30am – 8pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 8pm Sundays and holidays. On-line sales operate 24 hours per day.