Hailing from the musically prolific West African nation of Mali, Habib Koité is a modern troubadour with extraordinary appeal due to his musicianship, wit, and wisdom. The guitarist and composer has been named the biggest pop star of the region by Rolling Stone and, as noted by The New York Times, “his reputation as a guitar player has become almost mythical, combining rock and classical techniques with Malian tunings that make the guitar sound like a kora or ngoni.” Over the past decade, his artistry and magnetic personality have made him an international star, delighting audiences the world over, and placing him firmly among the leading figures in contemporary world music. Koité‘s most recent release, Soô (which translates to “home”) looks squarely at his native land, a country torn apart by violence over the last two years, at a time when a real feeling of home couldn’t be more vital.

“Koité’s voracious musical curiosity, broad international fan base, impressive CD sales, and fruitful collaboration with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Eric Bibb, and Gary Davis, have made him a prominent global voice.” ~ Roots