Habib Koité

Singer-Songwriter African
Habib Koité

Habib Koité is one of the great stars of world music. With charisma and skill, he brings the rich musical culture of Mali to a wide audience. His guitar style, inspired by the Ngoni lute, blends delicate playing with rhythmic drums, shaping his distinctive sound. His songs tell stories of Malian life, history, and society - deeply rooted yet open to the world. Since 1994, he has played over 1,700 concerts, bridging tradition and modernity in a remarkable way.

Starting in 2024, the Malian artist has launched an exciting new project: Mandé Sila – an acoustic quartet that celebrates the rich diversity of West African musical traditions. He’s joined by three amazing musicians: the "magic balafon" master Aly Keïta (Ivory Coast), kora player Lamine Cissokho (Senegal), who comes from a renowned griot family, and his longtime percussionist Mama Koné (Mali). Together, they honor the Mandé Sila, the musical legacy of the Manding Empire, reflecting the languages, cultures, and musical richness of West Africa.

Mandé Sila is more than just a music project – it’s a cultural exchange, with the artists blending their styles and bringing something special to the stage. The setlist features original compositions, brought to life with traditional instruments and a mix of West African rhythms, jazz, and even some Oriental influences. On stage, the chemistry between the four musicians is electric, captivating audiences with their virtuosity and shared inspiration.

After a successful U.S. tour in November 2024, the Mandé Sila quartet is now bringing their music to Europe. Their first concerts are set to offer a one-of-a-kind acoustic experience, and a live album will be released in the spring of 2025, capturing this unique musical journey.

Tourdates

29.05.2025 DE-Würzburg Africa Festival
Tickets
31.05.2025 DE-Münster Afrikafestival Münster
Tickets
03.06.2025 DE-Dortmund Klangvokal Musikfestival Dortmund
Tickets
04.06.2025 DE-München Ampere Tickets
08.06.2025 CH-Winterthur Afro-Pfingsten
Tickets
04.07.2025 DE-Göttingen Good Good Festival
Tickets
19.07.2025 DE-Frankfurt am Main Afrikanisches Kulturfest
Tickets
22.07.2025 DE-Berlin ufaFabrik Tickets
27.07.2025 DE-Regensburg Klangfarben Festival
Tickets
Videos
  • "Mandé" - Habib Koité
    "Mandé" - Habib Koité
  • "Foro Bana" - Habib Koité
    "Foro Bana" - Habib Koité
  • "Kunfé Ta" - Habib Koité
    "Kunfé Ta" - Habib Koité
  • "Benkan" Aly Keïta
    "Benkan" Aly Keïta
  • "Contre Vent" - Lamine Cissokho
    "Contre Vent" - Lamine Cissokho
Images
  • Habib KoitéHabib Koité Habib Koité Habib Koité
Press
„His reputation as a guitar player has become almost mythical, combining rock and classical techniques with Malian tunings that make the guitar sound like a kora or ngoni."
New York Times
„Habib Koité ist ein Phänomen: Der Sänger und Gitarrist aus Mali verbindet Virtuosität mit einer weise anmutenden Form der Gelassenheit."
Stuttgarter Zeitung
Discography
Kharifa
Kharifa
2019
ContreJour
Soô
Soô
2014
ContreJour
Line up

Mandé Sila

4 musicians + 2 crew

Habib Koité - Lead vocal, guitar
Lamine Cissokho - kora
Mama Koné - percussions, backing vocals
Aly Keita - balaphon

Crew: Sound Engineer / Tour Manager

Availability

Territories:

Asia, Europe

2025 October, November, summer
2026 all year, January, March
Contact
Frank Abraham
Frank Abraham
Managing Director, Head of A&R Global Pop Music, Booking Agent
fa@f-cat.de / +49 30 26 103 29 20

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