The international star of the balafon inspires with virtuoso soundscapes.

Triple concert with Potsa Lotsa XL and Bobo Stenson Trio.

The superlatives that have been used in connection with Aly Keïta in the past now seem to have been exhausted: "spectacular", "great" and "intoxicating" are just a few of them. But what is behind it all? One thing is certain: The Ivorian balafonist has been delighting his ever-growing audience with his joy of playing and inimitable stage aura for over 30 years now.

There are a number of reasons for this. First and foremost, the fact that he is regarded worldwide as an exceptional virtuoso on his instrument. When he lets his mallets dance across the bars seemingly effortlessly, the sheer number of strokes can make you dizzy. At the same time, he has created a kind of stylistic unique selling point for himself over the years: While the balafon - a percussion instrument that is vaguely reminiscent of the European xylophone and has a history of almost a thousand years in West Africa - is usually used in more traditional musical contexts, Keïta's playing dares to bridge the gap between tradition and pop-cultural modernity. The influences of Ivorian folklore have left their mark on his playing, as have the Afro pop and funk of the seventies, which culminate in contemporary jazz arrangements.

Keïta's name is now known all over the world, so it was only logical that he was awarded the German Jazz Prize in 2022. So it's no wonder that such illustrious musicians as Omar Sousa, Pharoah Sanders and Rhoda Scott have knocked on Keïta's door in the past to join forces. 

Previously: Potsa Lotsa XL

Afterwards: Bobo Stenson Trio

(Triple concert)

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