Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff, Mon 28 Jan
Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Tue 29 Jan
Bringing a taste of Mali to Wales this month, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba’s music perfectly encapsulates the stark contrast between the modern and the conventional, with the introduction of electrification to his ngoni (a West African string instrument) – as well as focusing on social issues, such as women’s movements.
Western influence and praise has been central to the success of Kouyate and his band, who have worked with artists including U2 and Blur’s Damon Albarn – as well as being named both African artist of the year and album of the year by BBC Radio 3 in the wake of 2007 debut album Segu Blue. A more concrete cross-cultural collaboration comes from a string-wielding duo often found playing live in this region: Welsh-born harpist Catrin Finch and Sengalian kora player Seckou Keita return to south Wales once again to unleash their emotionally charged, but ever playful, set.
Dubbed “the most popular world music act of the decade” by journalist and poet Tim Cumming, they’re practically guaranteed to bring a powerful offering, especially armed with their latest album, SOAR. This double bill act has proven exemplar at elevating traditional music to contemporary heights, and their visits to Cardiff and Cardigan are not to be missed.
Tickets: £22 (Mon 28) / £24 (Tue 29). Info: 029 2039 1391 (Mon 28) / 01239 621200 (Tue 29) (APA)