Andra Kouyate

Andra Kouyate has invented, designed and built a new instrument; the bass ngoni, sort of an African contrabass. This invention has permitted him to develop a new way of playing, quite different from the more usual traditional ngoni. He is gifted with exceptional playing skills on both musical and rythmical level. Tapping deep into traditional manding sources he is a complete master on the ngoni, bass ngoni and the tama.

Through his impressive creativity Andra Kouyate shows us how traditional instruments can be used without any limitations in very different musical styles. His approach to music, his sensitivity and charism and also his power and playing technic make him a real virtuoso multi- instrumentalist.

Andra Kouyate hails from a musical griot family. He starts learning to play the ngoni from the age of seven with his father Moustapha Kouyate at Garana (Mali). In 1989 he moves to Bamako, improving his playing with different groups like e.g. Badema National. In 1997 Andra joins Fantani Toure's band and records the album 'N’TIN NAARI' with her followed by international tours. During the same time he joins Rokia Traore and participates on her first three albums 'MOUNEÏSSA', 'WANITA" and 'BOWMBOI'. He tours with Rokia for eight years. In between Andra Kouyate also plays regularly with Toumani Diabate and Ali Farka Toure.

In 2007, still on tour with Bassekou Kouyate he participates on Habib Koite’s album 'AFRIKI' and also on the album 'RED EARTH' released by Dee Dee Bridgewater. Andra's n'goni can be heard on the album 'KIRIKOU ET KARABA' under the direction of Michel Ocelot. And he also contributes to the album 'SEYA' of Oumou Sangare and 'ALU MAYE' of Leni Stern.

Next Andra Kouyate, Andreas Fulgosi (guitar) and Baba Konate (percussion) decide in 2007 to form a new group called Raaga Trio, which is a exciting meeting between traditional West African music and jazz. They release the album 'THE OTHER EDGE' in 2010.

In 2012 Andra Kouyaté releases his own album 'SARO' with his band Sèkè Chi. Andra is not only playing n'goni but also singing with his exceptionally warm and deep husky voice. The abum receives great reviews. (see press quotes).

Since 2011 Andra is touring with the Ivory Coast reggae artist Tiken Jah Fakoly. He participates on the album 'AFRICAN REVOLUTION' en after a few tours starts playing his newly developed instrument, a double ngoni (see photo).

During the last few years Andra Kouyaté is invited to perform with Deltas, a French duo consisting of Richard Bourreau (violin & kora) and Vincent Erdeven (guitars). They met once in Bamako and found common musical ground. After the recording of their first full album 'LIGERIAN BLUES' it is obvious that Andra is going to be a regular member. The album is released in 2016.

Andra is also busy working on new material for his own band Magic Foli.

Gear

Ngoni (Malian lute) Double ngoni (Malian Lute) Bass ngoni (Malian lute) Tama (talking drum)