About me
Translates in the West African language of Mandinka as “Frequent traveler”, and describes this talented group of musicians on the move, hailing from all corners of the world, they bring their musical influences to a crossroads of culture and conversation.
Trading melodies and riffs, tales and folklore from their global wandering... Weaving a new colorful fabric of polyrhythmic patterns that call on tradition as much as improvised inspiration.
Combining flavors of Brazil and Mexico with the storytelling griots of Gambia, Moroccan percussion, and Malian melodies and rhythms completes this exotic brew.
Featuring:
Amadou Suso
GAMBIA
Comes from Gambia in West Africa and is part of a Mandinka tribe that has been playing the
Kora for centuries. The kora originated in Gambia 750 years ago and Amadou is a direct
descendant of the first kora player; Korea Musa Suso. Originally it was a 7 stringed instrument but over time it has evolved into the 22-stringed instrument you see today and is affectionately known as the African Harp.
Amadou started playing the Kora when he was 6 years old and was shorter than the
instrument itself. He has since traveled the world bringing to life the depth of Mandinka history and fusing it with contemporary mastery of the African harp.
Amadou regularly tours with Sampa The Great and as a Solo artist.
@amadoujalysuso
https://youtu.be/Jz62RTFWlwM?si=Xj2cm3Lcd_m0xzKc
Quetzal Guerrero
USA
Instrumentalist, singer, and composer also known as QVLN (Q-Violin) is at the forefront of music genre evolution and exploration. A prodigious genre-hopping artist whose trademark
electric blue violin reflects his Mexican, Brazilian, and Native American roots. QVLN is an exciting performing artist who ignites audiences at concerts, festivals, music venues, and wellness retreats all over the world. It’s no surprise, given that he’s been studying music from the age of four, performing professionally since he was twelve, and has produced multiple albums starting from the age of seventeen.
As well as his success at the highest level, “Q” is passionate about exploring ancient spiritual
traditions and serving underprivileged communities whenever possible.
Today his body of work includes a wide range of expressions and collaborations with world music artists such as Julian Belbachir, Moussa Diakite, Oyobi as well as some of house music's most influential artists such as Osunlade, Nickodemus, Jose Marquez,
Boddhi Satva, Coflo, Hallex M and OVEOUS.
@qviolin
https://youtu.be/D7qsAEZ6JRE?si=czX4s_ifLE2MAR7k
Zhonu Mzali Moon AKA Future Roots
AUSTRALIA
As a Multi-instrumentalist/producer with many guises, Future Roots has at his command a broad palette of instrumentation, including a large array of traditional percussion instruments and drum kits from around the world, and more contemporary ways of forging sound through the use of synthesizers and programming. The music played by Future Roots reflects a rich life journey that has allowed him to draw directly on his experiences of having seen and connected with so many cultures and ways of life through travel and music.
Future Root's view of the world and the music he makes have been strongly influenced by his upbringing in Australia and India by his Moroccan/Ghanian father and Australian mother, traveling across Asia, Africa the Middle East, and Europe in his formative years, time spent in his ancestral homeland of North and West Africa, as well as his connection to traditional and emerging cultures closer to home in the Australasian/Pacific region. Some of Nui’s performance credits include live performances with International music icons Femi Kuti, Ebo Taylor, Carl Cox, Yothu Yindi, Mulatu Astake, Sampa The Great, Bombino, Horace Andy, and Scientist.
https://youtu.be/4PAy5pNu6fE?si=OEtXA_yyMxRqVGlx
@futureroots_
Bassidi Koné
MALI
Comes from the Bwa ethnicity from the San region in central Mali. Born into a Griot family, Bassidi grew up beside his father’s primary instrument, the balafon, instilling in him his forefathers’ traditional village songs and rhythms passed down through many generations. Since these early childhood experiences, Bassidi has carried on this musical heritage and legacy. Also the band leader of Bwazan a Malian Traditional group that innovates their arrangements and instrumentation reflecting the sound of their elders and ancestors with the greatest of respect.
They uphold their musical heritage by promoting and preserving the identity, spirituality, and cultural richness of their Bwa ethnicity. They are a delight musically, performing uplifting music with great professionalism, soul, enthusiasm, and joy. Complex movements, precision, and harmony, combined with energetic dances, describe this ensemble of talented, young artists, who maintain the traditions of village masters. Bwazan has won numerous Malian Awards in Art and Culture, and their 3 album releases are at the forefront of traditional Malian music.
