Sabou-Gnouman De Kita

Sabou-Gnouman De Kita

Kita Koun Kan

Purplish Records

Kita, a small town in the West of Mali was once considered the music capital of the country. The town, before artists started moving to the bigger capital city, Bamako, birthed some of the most important musicians the country has seen including guitarist extraordinaire Djelimady Tounkara, most famously of The Rail Band. Back in January, 2012, and for years after, I was fortunate to visit Kita, Mali with griot, master ngoni player, and uncle, Cheick Hamala Diabate. Cheick’s brother, Tos, runs a music school in Kita called ‘Sabou-Gnouman De Kita’, an important cultural institute providing young kids and adults with music lessons, teaching them the important music and tradition of the region. Kita Koun Kan was recorded at the music school over an evening of performances by some of the region's most talented players. This is some of the most heartfelt, energetic music I’ve got to experience in Mali! -Mikey Coltun