Legendary Malian Musician and Ngoni Master to perform with Griot Singer Amy Sacko for the first time in the UK
Published 12:38 on 15 Apr 2026
Mwldan and Jazzhaus are delighted to present a UK tour of one of Malis most revered musical couples, Bassekou Koyaute and Amy Sacko this May.
Bassekou Kouyate, the undisputed master of the ngoni and a legendary figure in Malian music, is set to embark on a highly anticipated 12-date UK tour this spring. Known for his extraordinary dexterity and innovative approach to the traditional ngoni, Kouyate's performances blend the rich sounds of blues, jazz, and traditional Malian music, captivating audiences worldwide.
Kouyate's illustrious career spans four decades and five acclaimed albums. He and his band, Ngoni Ba, have garnered critical and commercial success while touring globally, collaborating with musical legends including Taj Mahal, Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate, Youssou N'Dour, The Kronos Quartet, and Damon Albarn.
This tour marks a special milestone as Bassekou performs as a duo with his wife, the revered griot singer and exceptional vocalist, Amy Sacko.
Described by *The Sydney Morning Herald* as possessing a "voice of searing urgency" and "improbable range," Sackos powerful vocals complement Kouyate's masterful ngoni playing. The griot couple released their first chart-topping album together in 2024; Djudjon, LOiseau de Garana connects past and present, and is centred on their adventurous life journey together.
The Garana natives invite us on an intimate journey into their musical universe, to travel to the source where it all began for Bassekou and his other long-time companion, his ngoni. Bassekou Kouyate reveals the secrets behind the beautiful love story between himself and his instrument, whilst Amy and Bassekou sing to us about their fears and hopes for the future, give philosophical advice and offer tributes to important people of present and historical society of the Bambara Empire. New texts and re-interpretations of ancient texts feature, sung in Bambara and Peul.
The tour will call at LONDON Kings Place, Hall One Songlines Encounters Festival, May 7th, FALMOUTH Church KCM May 8th; BUILTH WELLS Wyeside May 9th; BRADFORD-ON-AVON Wiltshire Music Centre, May 10th; CARDIGAN Mwldan May 12th; LIVERPOOL Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, May 13th; MANCHESTER Band On The Wall, May 14th; LEEDS Howard Assembly Room May 15th; BRISTOL Jam Jar, May 16th; SOUTHAMPTON Turner Sims, May 17th; YSTRADGYNLAIS Y Neuadd Les / The Wefare, May 18th; BASINGSTOKE Anvil Arts, The Forge, May 19th; BURY ST EDMUNDS The Apex, May 21st; TOTNES The Barrel House Ballroom May 22nd; CHIDHAM, CHICHESTER Hambrook Village Hall, May 23rd, LYME REGIS Marine Theatre, May 24th. See venue websites for tickets.
This will be a unique, intimate and extraordinary opportunity to experience a performance that reaches to the very heart of Mali deeply personal, expressive, chamber-style that promises a rare closeness between artists and audience, a space where each note and lyric resonates deeply.
Dont miss this rare opportunity to witness Bassekou Kouyate and Amy Sacko as they share their musical journey and cultural heritage in an unforgettable live performance.