Putumayo Records' Acoustic Africa presents Habib Koité and Bamada, Vusi Mahlasela, and Dobet Gnahoré
The extraordinary breadth, emotional depth, and joy of African music come to life in this rare
all-star evening of music from across the continent. TWO SHOWS: 7pm and 9.30pm, at McGuire Theater, Walker Art Center! One of Mali’s most revered guitarists,
Habib Koité is joined by his legendary band Bamada. Vusi Mahlasela’s powerful songs and
soaring voice played an important role in the South African struggle against apartheid, and his
music was recently featured in the 2006 Oscar-winning film Tsotsi.
The evening also features the U.S. debut of Dobet Gnahoré, the young
Cote d’Ivoire singer/dancer described by the BBC as “a vivacious bundle
of energy, blessed with a powerful voice and infectious charisma.”
"First, there was Hendrix, then Stevie Ray and now, Habib."—Bonnie Raitt
"[Vusi Mahlasela] was a voice during the revolution . . . a voice of
hope, the Woody Guthrie or Bob Dylan of South Africa, and still
is."—Dave Matthews
7pm and 9.30pm Concerts at McGuire Theater, Walker Art Center.
Co-presented by Walker Art Center and Cedar Cultural Center
$25 general public
To buy tickets
Call Walker box office 612.375.7600
Purchase online through Walker Art Center
Habib Koité (b. 1958 in Mali) is an internationally-known Malian musician who sings and plays the guitar. His supporting cast, Bamada, is a super-group of West African talent, including Kélétigui Diabaté playing balafon.
He...
The minute Dobet Gnahoré (pronounced DOH-bay gna-OR-ay) steps onto the stage, it is obvious she is something special. She exudes an inner strength and commanding presence that draws you in, even before she has opened her mouth to sing. Once Dobet does...
Malian guitarist Habib Koité is one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians.
Habib Koité was born in 1958 in Thiès, a Senegalese town situated on the railway line connecting Dakar to Niger, where his father worked on the construction of the tracks...
South African Singer Vusi Mahlasela is known as "the Voice" and hails from the township of Mamelodi. He has been featured in the South African music documentary "Amandla!" and has lent his vocal skills to the soundtrack of the Academy...
Major Funders
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008
