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Bassidi Koné

Bassidi Koné

Bassidi Koné is of Bwa ethnicity from the Segou region in Mali. Born into a Griot family, he grew up beside his father’s instrument, the balafon (a traditional, wooden xylophone), instilling in him his forefathers’ traditional village songs and rhythms. After moving to Bamako at thirteen, he met Koninba Bagayogo, a meeting that profoundly influenced his musical career as a percussionist. Playing alongside this master djembe player, the young Bassidi extended his knowledge and skill, distinguishing himself through his innovative solo lead playing and technical virtuosity.

Driven to defend his rich Bwa heritage, he formed and now leads his multi-instrumental percussion and dance troupe, Bwazan (Bobo children), a family group from the same line of Griots. Bwazan are ambassadors of their musical heritage, promoting a message of peace and solidarity. Bassidi tours internationally and collaborates with diverse ensemble groups and musicians from varied musical backgrounds, delving into Afro-jazz, Latin, reggae, classical and contemporary genres. His skilful artistry shows his ability to adapt these varied genres with his own, while honouring the integrity of his own heritage.

Bassidi has been involved in a number of milestone performances in Australia, these include The Meander Project, a unique musical collaboration between Multicultural Arts Victoria and students from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), and Sankofa, a collaboration with Australia’s leading, and internationally recognised Afro-contemporary dance company, Asanti Dance Theatre. In May 2014, he worked with Koné Express, a 9-piece Afro-Jazz ensemble. The Koné Express received a grant from Australia Council for an Australian national tour in April/May 2014. During this tour they launched their debut album “Non Stop”. This tour included sold-out performances at the Mornington Winter Jazz Festival (Melbourne), Bella Union (Melbourne), The Nexus (Adelaide),and Bemac World Music Café (Brisbane). In November 2016, Bassidi was honoured to bring a Malian voice to the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC16), in Indianapolis, IN, U.S.A,  presenting a clinic performance about the djembe and bala (balafon).

Bassidi also tours and records professionally with a number of Mali’s prominent griot musicians and singers, including Nainy Diabate, Mah Kouyate No 1, Nafi Diabate, and Grammy Award nominee, Bassekou Kouyaté.

Bassidi Koné

Bassidi Koné

Bassidi Koné is of Bwa ethnicity from the Segou region in Mali. Born into a Griot family, he grew up beside his father’s instrument, the balafon (a traditional, wooden xylophone), instilling in him his forefathers’ traditional village songs and rhythms. After moving to Bamako at thirteen, he met Koninba Bagayogo, a meeting that profoundly influenced his musical career as a percussionist. Playing alongside this master djembe player, the young Bassidi extended his knowledge and skill, distinguishing himself through his innovative solo lead playing and technical virtuosity.

Driven to defend his rich Bwa heritage, he formed and now leads his multi-instrumental percussion and dance troupe, Bwazan (Bobo children), a family group from the same line of Griots. Bwazan are ambassadors of their musical heritage, promoting a message of peace and solidarity. Bassidi tours internationally and collaborates with diverse ensemble groups and musicians from varied musical backgrounds, delving into Afro-jazz, Latin, reggae, classical and contemporary genres. His skilful artistry shows his ability to adapt these varied genres with his own, while honouring the integrity of his own heritage.

Bassidi has been involved in a number of milestone performances in Australia, these include The Meander Project, a unique musical collaboration between Multicultural Arts Victoria and students from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), and Sankofa, a collaboration with Australia’s leading, and internationally recognised Afro-contemporary dance company, Asanti Dance Theatre. In May 2014, he worked with Koné Express, a 9-piece Afro-Jazz ensemble. The Koné Express received a grant from Australia Council for an Australian national tour in April/May 2014. During this tour they launched their debut album “Non Stop”. This tour included sold-out performances at the Mornington Winter Jazz Festival (Melbourne), Bella Union (Melbourne), The Nexus (Adelaide),and Bemac World Music Café (Brisbane). In November 2016, Bassidi was honoured to bring a Malian voice to the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC16), in Indianapolis, IN, U.S.A,  presenting a clinic performance about the djembe and bala (balafon).

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