Malian virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate and vocalist Amy Sacko present a contemporary interpretation of traditional griot music. A celebrated innovator of the ngoni - an ancient West African lute, Kouyate is credited with giving the instrument a global profile, having shared stages with artists such as Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate, Bonnie Raitt, and Damon Albarn.

His work often bridges the gap between historical traditions and modern genres, resulting in a sound frequently described as "Mali Blues". Following several years of international touring with his band Ngoni Ba, this performance at the Howard Assembly Room focuses on his collaboration with Amy Sacko. Their recent work explores their shared roots and ancestral traditions, blending Kouyate's intricate string arrangements with Sacko’s vocals to create music that is both grounded in local culture and expansive in reach.