Habib Koité - 7 - LIVE at Afrikafestival Hertme 2014

Performance - 6 July 2014
Habib Koite hardly needs an introduction. In the mid 90s he broke through internationally with his first album " Muso Ko " which rose to number three on the European World Music Charts. It was reason to invite him to Hertme in 1996. In 1998 he performed here again after the release of his 2nd album "Ma Ya". In total, he and his band Bamada released five CDs and he is now touring the whole world. The reason to invite him for a third time to Hertme is the release of his 6th album, now with a new band. The album is called "Soô", in which the now 56-year-old Habib emits a different sound from Mali, no political statements or rousing protest songs, but a gentle message about the pleasure of being at home, the happiness of being in Mali, of being aware of his roots and appreciating them. "We are better off at home than being uprooted". Soô is an anthology of secrets of a social life rooted in togetherness. He speaks to us about the unity of a country that goes beyond flag waving. He sings about how friends and neighbours help each other, the benefits of playing football, highlighting everything that cements social life and generations.

Habib Koité, vocals, guitar;
Abdoul Wahab Berthe, bass, kamale n’goni;
Charly Coulibaly, gourd, vocals;
Mama Koné, kalebas, percussion, vocals;
Issa Koné, guitar, banjo