Mandé Sila feat. Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho & Mama Koné

His songs tell of everyday life, history, and society in Mali – deeply rooted yet open to the world. Since 1994, he has played over 1,700 concerts, combining tradition and modernity in a unique way.

Starting in 2025, the Malian musician will present a new project: "Mandé Sila" – an acoustic quartet celebrating the diversity of West African musical cultures.


Habib Koité will be accompanied by three virtuoso artists: the "magical balafon" master Aly Keïta (Ivory Coast), kora player Lamine Cissokho (Senegal), who comes from a famous griot family, and his long-time percussionist Mama Koné (Mali).


Together, they celebrate "Mandé Sila," the musical path of the Manding Empire, which unites the languages, cultures, and musical diversity of West Africa.


"Mandé Sila" is not just a musical project, but a moment of cultural encounter and harmony between the artists.
The repertoire consists of original compositions brought to life by the masterful mastery of traditional instruments and the fusion of various styles—from West African rhythms to oriental and jazz influences.


After a successful US tour in November 2024, which was enthusiastically received by audiences, the quartet "Mandé Sila" is now bringing its music to Europe.


Habib Koité, born in 1958 in Thiès, Senegal, comes from a Khassonké griot family and developed his unique guitar style, inspired by traditional instruments such as the kamale n'goni. After graduating from the National Institute of Arts in Bamako, he founded the band Bamada in 1988, with which he enjoyed international success. With albums such as "Muso Ko" and over 1,700 concerts worldwide, he is one of the most important representatives of West African music.

Aly Keïta, a balafon virtuoso from the Ivory Coast, combines African rhythms, polyphony, and jazz. He has collaborated with musical greats such as Omar Sosa and Joe Zawinul and was awarded the German Jazz Prize in 2022. Today, he lives in Berlin and inspires audiences with his distinctive soundscape full of energy and hope.

Lamine Cissokho, a kora player from Casamance, Senegal, comes from a griot family and combines Mandinka traditions with jazz and Nordic folklore. He has released six albums and performed at international festivals. In 2024, he founded the group Mandé Sila with Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, and Mama Koné and successfully toured the USA.

Mama Koné, a drummer and percussionist from Mali, learned traditional instruments such as the balafon and djembe. After completing his training in Bamako, he performed in Europe and has been a member of Habib Koité's band, Bamada, since 2012. He combines West African music with modern influences, bringing energy and joy to his music.