Kankou Kouyaté & Les Etioles de Garana - Mali

Kankou Kouyate is one of the most beautiful voices of the younger Malian generation. She visits Hertme with a group of respected artists from Mali and Guinea. Kankou was born into one of Mali's most famous griot families.

She has worked with Toumani Diabate, Bassekou Kouyate, Salif Keita and Habib Koite, among others. In 2013, she collaborated with Damon Albarn, Brian Eno and the collective Africa Express, and participated in the album "Maison des Jeunes", which enjoyed worldwide success. She participated in the prestigious album release concert in London. In 2014, she won first prize in the music category in the "Talents de la Cité" competition in Ségou, Mali. In 2019 came the highly acclaimed album 'Kuma' with Mark Mulholand.
Kankou's lyrics are philosophical in the traditional Manding tradition, interpreting her social environment and society. She talks about women's rights and good behaviour towards your fellow human beings. Her group, Les Etoiles de Garana, is a family group of cousins and distant cousins of the Kouyate families. She grew up with the n'goni bassist Madou Kouyate, son of the famous Bassekou and Lassine Kouyate, the percussionist of the legendary Baba Salah. The vituose n'goni player Kandiafa was always around in their youth. The drummer and percussionist Legre Thibeat Sery is from the Ivory Coast, but emigrated to Mali years ago and plays for the likes of Oumou Sangaré and Vieux Farka Touré. Guinean kora player Sefoudi Kouyate, youngest son of M'Bady Kouyate first performed with Kankou in Baku in 2023. Les Etoiles de Garana bring a contemporary and authentic groove to the traditions they grew up with.

Kankou Kouyate, vocals
Kandiafa, n’goni
Sefoudi Kouyate, kora and backing vocals
Madou Kouyate, bass-n’goni and backing vocals
Lassine Kouyate, yabara and tama
Legre Thibaut Sery, calabash & congas and backing vocals