Afropop and Ngoni Music by Cheick Hamala Diabate at Windmills Craftworks

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Ten-second takeaway

Get set for a weekend of rippling Afropop beats and Ngoni {from West Africa} music by Cheick Hamala Diabate, all the way from Mali.

Rooted in traditions

A performance by Malian musician, Cheick Hamala Diabate involves not just music but also a bunch of engaging stories, be it about the instrument he plays or about his rich cultural background which includes 800-year-old traditions! Being a griot {member of a West African caste of storytellers and performers}, this probably isn't surprising. So, between sessions of playing the Ngoni {a traditional Malian string instrument}, you might get to hear about his experiences in America, where he came across the banjo, which he describes as the 'grandson of the ngoni'.

Global rhythms

Known to be one of the world's masters of the Ngoni, the artiste will be in town to enthrall you with his distinct music. While he might make you want to just get up and sway to the Afropop beats, keep an ear out for the way he weaves reggae and jazz into the mix. We hope the Grammy-nominee {nominated for Best Traditional World Music Album} will perform some of his popular tracks like Djiri Mardje and From Mali to America. Accompanied by an ensemble of musicians on guitar, bass, vocals, percussion and drums, Cheick will also perform a round on the banjo, we hear.

Where: Windmills Craftworks, 331, 5B Road, EPIP Zone, Next to L&T infotech, Whitefield

When: Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16, 9.30pm

Contact: +91 8880233322

Price: INR 500 upwards

Buy tickets for the event here.

Featured image via: Cheik Hamala