Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate originated from Mali and was born into the long line of Kouyate griots, which emerged during the Mali Empire of the 14th century.

Now residing in France, Aboubacar’s music fuses traditional African sounds and instruments with modern day twist on the ancient rhythms and patterns born from Jeli tradition. He brings an exuberant and contemporary interpretation to the traditional 'griot' art form, combining his masterful command of voice, instrument, rhythm, conscious lyrics and fellow musicians into compelling performance that will intoxicate you and get your feet moving.

Aboubacar was born in the riverside village of Djoliba during the 1970s and from the age of seven, under the eye of his father Adama Kouyate (Super Rail Band Bamako), began formal training in the inherited oral and instrumental traditions that have been passed down through the centuries.

At the age of fifteen, Aboubacar left Mali and continued his training for more than a decade, with mentor Moussa Sylla’s troupe Allah Tantoo in Guinea, and as a member of the Mamady Cissoko Ballet in Senegal. When he moved to the Gambia, Aboubacar created his first group The Cultural Sundiata Bandand eventually arrived in Lille, France at the age of 28. This era opened up opportunities for many new collaborations, in particular with musician Simon Demouveaux (Hassan Bossou Gnawa Racines) to form the band Badala Foly, which Aboubacar continues to lead.

Over the past 13 years Aboubacar has sustained an active career as a professional musician in France and neighbouring countries, leading two bands as singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, as a contributor to many other musical collaborations and as a teacher of African percussion, story and culture in the broader community. 

Today, Aboubacar’s performances represent a lifetime of dedication and passion for the tradition he has inherited.

This is a show not to be missed.

Website: https://aboubacarkouyate.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboubacardjelike.kouyate.56

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboubacardjelike/