Mali Koura

Issa Bagayogo is one of the true innovators of West African music, mixing the traditional sounds of his native Mali with elements of contemporary electronica, beats & dancehall. On the 'Mali Koura' album, Issa continues to mature, adding even more new elements to his organic blend of roots and western dance technology.

Issa has tightened and ripened his unique sound into a fully-realized Afro-European hybrid - no longer does it sound like a fusion of two separate cultures, but rather like the fully-evolved music of a brand new culture.

'Mali Koura' stayed at no.1 on the Euro World Music charts for a number of weeks. Issa is a regular star attraction on stages around Africa, playing for huge and wildly enthusiastic audiences. Outside his homeland, he is also a genuine rising star, with England's Folk Roots magazine commenting that he "may radically reshape West Africa's groove... when Issa plays, only the dead stay still."

"The finest Afro-European rhythmic structures Mali can provide."
- VILLAGE VOICE

"Bagayogo blends folk into funky electronics, tastfully arranging looped rhythms to accompany acoustic virtuosity."
- REMIX MAG

"The perfect balance between roots music and modernity."
- All MUSIC

"His most appealing and ambitious record to date... a classic of modern Malian music."
- BILLBOARD