Conscientious Organizations Using Music to Bring Awareness

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Performing Artists

To join our list of Artists, please email info@COUMBA.com. Or register on our site! Local musicians and artists are also welcome.

Local Artists

CHEICK hamala Diabate: N'goni Master

Cheick Hamala Diabate is a Grammy-nominated West African historian in the Griot tradition, and a world-recognized master of the ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument. A sought after performer, lecturer, storyteller and choreographer throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and Canada, Cheick Hamala began touring in the U.S. in 1995. His performances have been featured at such notable venues as The Smithsonian Institute, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest and many of the top festivals across the US.

International Artists

Salif Keita: The Golden Voice of Africa

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Salif Keita is known around the world as the Golden Voice of Africa and is 'perhaps the greatest talent Africa has ever produced'. He has received multi-world music Grammy nominations and is considered one the world's most popular artist. Featured prominently on the soundtrack to Will Smith's blockbuster movie 'Ali', an homage to boxing Legend Muhammad Ali, Salif Keita maintains his status as an international sensation. Composed with rhythms that blend, african, spanish, portuguese and other sounds, his 2003 release called Moffou, is also the name of the club the singer built in the Malian capital of Bamako to promote west african artists and music. In December 2004, he was named United Nations Ambassador for Music and Youth, and dedicated himself to causes like Malaria, AIDS and the plight of Albinos in Mali and around the world. Always working hard in the studio, Mr. Keita's latest album, M'Bemba, was released in the US in June 2006. His next album "La Difference" was highly anticipated, and released in Europe in November 2009. The album won the French 'Grammy' called Victoires de la Musique 2010 for World Music. Don't miss your chance to experience Salif Keita on his next American tour dates. Mr. Keita's celestial and hypnotic voice is always magical, and is a sure guarantee to transport the core essence of Mali music and culture from your ears to your feet, heart and soul. Visit his myspace page or become his friend on Facebook for regular updates on Salif Keita.

ISMAEL LO: "THE AFRICAN BOB DYLAN"

Ismael Lo, born in 1956, is the son of a Senegalese civil servant who loved American soul music. Lo grew up listening to stars like James Brown, Wicked Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding. Lo built his first guitar from a cooking oil can, and learned to play harmonica and guitar together by nailing his harmonica to the wall.

Lo was a guitarist for Super Diamano, a mbalax blues band, for five years before leaving to start his own solo career. Lo is often called the "Bob Dylan of Senegal" because of his guitar and harmonica combination coupled with his deeply satisfying lyrics. As Lo himself says:

"I speak of racism, poverty, famine, and the relationships among people"

Alpha Blondy

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Alpha Blondy is a 2003 Grammy-nominated international superstar hailing from Ivory Coast. As the first international African reggae artist, Mr. Blondy who sings in Hebrew, English, Malinke and French, has had an unmeasurable influence on African and reggae around the world. Often given the title of the only artist able to carry the torch where the legend Bob Marley left off, Alpha Blondy has become a living legend in his own right, and the voice of all people around the world. The artist, who was recently named United Nations Special Peace Messenger, is attempting to use his celebrity status and popularity in Ivory Coast, in order to find a peaceful resolution to the political strife and civil war that has plagued the country since 2002. Currently working on his next album, Alpha Blondy is also busy touring around the world singing his greatest hits including tracks from his latest album a "Best of "compilation CD 'AKWABA' which features cameos from various african and french artists. As an entrepreneur, he has completed construction in 2006 of a new performance venue in the Ivory Coast to showcase both local and international artists. With a career that spans over two decades, Alpha Blondy has built a spectacular sound stage and nightclub to accomodate venues of all proportions in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, giving back to community that made him an international star. The stage is located near his apartment building and popular restaurant 'Cafe de Versailles', already an Abidjan, Ivory Coast hotspot.

To learn more about Alpha Blondy, his role as UN Peace Messenger in Ivory Coast or the Cafe de Versailles, please visit:

http://www.alphablondy.info

Habib Koite and Bamada

Habib Koite is the new voice of Mali folk Music. He has garnered international recognition for his sultry vocals, profound lyrics and blend of traditional and modern sounds. With live performances guaranteed to turn you into a fan, Habib Koite is leading the way for a new generation of African artists.

Photos taken by Coumba Makalou for Habib Koite.

To learn more about Habib and his band Bamada:

http://www.imnworld.com/habib.html

To register as an artist, please email info@COUMBA.com or register on our website.