Sunday, February 18, 2024 - Crocodile River Music was thrilled to present Bassekou Kouyate + Ngoni Ba at The Prior Performing Arts Center in Worcester, MA.

Bassekou Kouyate is a master of the ngoni, a stringed instrument with a rich history in West African music and an ancestor of the modern banjo. His intricate fingerpicking and soulful vocals have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him BBC Radio awards, a Kora Award, and numerous accolades, including 2 Grammy nominations. Over the course of his 40 year career, he has released 5 albums, performed at major festivals and on prestigious stages around the world, and collaborated with many notable artists including Tourmani Diabaté, Bela Fleck, and Sir Paul McCartney.

Ngoni Ba, Kouyate's ensemble, features a dynamic lineup of musicians who bring their own unique talents to the group's sound. Together, they create a mesmerizing blend of African blues, Mali groove, and indie rock, infusing each performance with infectious energy and raw emotion.

Photography © Troy B. Thompson