Habib Koité

Habib Koité is a musical virtuoso who hails from Mali, West Africa.
A combined Singer & guitarist, who bestows his unique style as “Danssa Dosa.” With an incredible music style, and 30 years of experience, the Malian artist, has reached immense heights throughout Africa and the world for his unique talent, and creative approach to music.

Born in Senegal, one of Mali’s neighbouring countries, Habib’s father was working in the region of Thiès at that time. Later, the family returned home to their cultural residence. Centuries ago, Mali was known as “The Great Malian Empire,” a monumental country of arts and educational scholars. Griots/Jali’s are oral historians, storytellers, and mediators who held vast knowledge and information. Their artistic musical heritage was passed down from father to son. Hailing from a griot family, the Khassonké, Habib’s grandfather played the ngoni, a West African traditional guitar, while his son, Habib’s father, spent his time playing modern guitar, and banjo. Moving up through the years, the ambience of music was all around the home, Habib’s introduction to music flowed naturally, and he became a self-taught guitarist.

Keen to enhance his musical skills, in 1978, he entered Bamako’s Institute of Arts to study classical guitar. While there, he gained tremendous knowledge from a teacher by the name of, Professor Kalilou Traoré, who studied music in Cuba. In 1964, ten Malian musicians were invited to Cuba to study. As they returned home, with their knowledge of Cuban rhythm, they entwined it with their own Malian style, and it gained huge admiration from the people. Shortly after Habib graduated, Professor Kalilou passed away. With Habib’s remarkable gift as a guitarist, he was offered a role as a teacher in the same institution, where he studied.

Outside of teaching, he regularly performed in various clubs and restaurants. It was there Habib gained vast experience as a live musician and spent years on the club scene performing Cuban, Rock and Rhythm & Blues music. He was also influenced by various styles from across the world, and knowing how to play a diverse range of music, expanded his musical abilities. Habib’s unique style came deeply when he began to embrace various Malian styles from across the region. Immersing himself in a variety of cultural rhythms and melodies, he put his personal stamp on each style, his ethnic music identity remained authentic.

In 1988, Habib pulled together his own band, giving it the name “Bamada.” Together, they toured across Mali, and their music style rapidly gained popularity across the region. In 9991, Habib travelled over to France, where he performed at the “Voxpole Festival in Perpignan.” Gaining first prize, gave him an opportunity to record two songs. “Cigarette A-Bana” was a song that created a buzz across Mali, while “Nanale,” gained the Radio France International Discovery Prize. As Habib & Bamada’s sound began to flourish internationally, the recognition helped the band proceed with their first international tour.

Around 1994, Michel De Bock, a Belgium owner of a music production & management company “Contre-Jour,” became aware of Habib & Bamada. Impressed with their music, he took on the role of manager.

The release of his debut album “Muso Ko,” received a warm welcome in Europe, and claimed the second spot on the European World Music Charts.” Featuring ten songs, it showcased Habib & Bamada’s authenticity and versatility. Their music and infectious performances sealed them a host of invitations to play at Europe’s top music festivals, year after year, right up until today.
1998, saw the release of Habib’s second album “Ma Ya.” Songs like “Wassiye,” and “Saramaya,” unveiled his unique style of entwining traditional melodies with a contemporary rhythmic feel. The album was released in America by “Putumayo World Music,” and America became their next tour venture.

Coming under the spotlight of David Letterman, he was interviewed by the popular American TV host, which then opened the door to a wider American audience. Bonny Raitt, an American Blues singer, became interested in his style and in 2002, they recorded a song titled, “Back Around.”

“Brothers in Bamako,” was a project with American Blues singer & guitarist Eric Bibb, they were also joined by percussionist Mama Kone, who later joined Bamada. Recording songs such as “LA, We Don’t Care and On My Way to Bamako,” The trio’s project accomplished a wide American & European tour.

Habib Koité has performed with African Legends such as Mali’s “Toumani Diabate, and Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi,” and participated in various projects with a string of recognised artists.

As a Malian artist, the musician dedicated his artistry to understanding the sounds of various ethnic groups and learning their rhythms & melodies. Habib’s main language is Bambara & Mandinka, he also sings in other languages such as Songhai, and Fulani. He displays his gratitude for his country’s diverse musical heritage. His songs share stories of social, environmental, love and spirituality.

Habib Koité has a special gift of lighting traditional melodies with uplifting contemporary rhythms. He is a remarkable Malian Storyteller, who has radiated his sound into the global world.
The title of Habib’s latest album “Kharifia,” has the meaning of “Entrusted by God/Allah. It seems that Habib was entrusted with the task, of presenting Mali’s rich heritage through music.