Re-Generation Tour : N'Faly Kouyate, Blackheath Halls, London (GB) - Feb 17, 2024

From a line of Guinean griots, Kouyaté is deeply rooted in traditional musical culture while at the same time employing pretty sophisticated electronics as part of the music. So we had Kouyaté singing, playing koras and balafon and two other musicians playing some kind of electronic pads and one of them doing a lot of percussion on calabash and another instrument, both providing vocal support. Quite a bit of it was pre-recorded or was triggered by the musicians in an unknown way. Lots of interesting rhythm and the songs were melodically varied. Kouyaté has an impressive voice with a tremendous range and the kora and balafon playing were great. The general theme of the gig seemed to be that Africa should take its proper place in the world and clearly Mandela was an inspiration, the songs being culturally aware and politically astute. Sung mainly in the Malinké (Mandinka) language and some French, explanations in French and English. The Guinean ambassador attended. Very enjoyable. Unfortunately we couldn’t see the planned accompanying videos because there was no screen at the back of the stage!