Mandé Sila: Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho, Mama Koné

Mandé Sila

Mandé Sila is the new supergroup led by singer and guitarist Habib Koité, one of West Africa's most renowned musicians. He is accompanied by the "magical balafon" of Aly Keïta (Ivory Coast) and Lamine Cissokho (Senegal) on the kora. These three standard-bearers of West African musical tradition have come together in the supergroup Mandé Sila, which means "the way of the Mandingo Empire" and symbolizes the languages, cultures, and music of West Africa. Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, and Lamine Cissokho are united by the same cultural heritage, which they sublimely revitalize. In April 2025, Mandé Sila released a live album recorded at Levon Helm's legendary studio in Woodstock.

Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho, Mama Koné

Habib Koité from Mali, one of Africa's most popular and beloved musicians, is a modern troubadour who captivates audiences with his musicality, humor, and wisdom. Senegalese kora player Lamine Cissokho descends from a renowned family of griots whose traditions date back to the 14th century. Aly Keïta from Côte d'Ivoire is world-renowned for his mastery of the balafon, the West African marimba. His virtuosity and sound are impressive. The trio is joined on stage by Habib's regular percussionist Mama Koné (djembé, gourd, electronic pad), who has also performed with renowned blues artist Eric Bibb.