MAY 26, 2009
Geo Sessions: Habib Koite
Malian Guitar-Slinger Habib Koite Pays A Visit To Nat Geo Music
In this studio episode of Geo Sessions, Malian musician Habib Koite brings his West African supergroup Bamada in for a set of beautiful and inspiring songs. Born in Mali to a musical family, Habib says he doesn't play strictly traditional Malian music. Utilizing a wide variety of instruments in his songs (ballophone, harmonica, calabash, and talking drum as well as more traditional Western instruments), Habib lays down his smooth vocals over rhythm tracks that course and bubble like river rapids. The result is music that not only gets your head bobbing to the beat but reaches for your heart with the melody. Being a star on the world music stage has been an adjustment for the African superstar. Luckily for the rest of us, Habib Koite and his fabulous band continue to travel the earth and bring their joy and their music to the people.
