About
Mamadou Kouyaté, affectionately known as "Madou," is an accomplished Malian musician carrying forward the esteemed Kouyaté family legacy. As the eldest son of the celebrated ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyaté, Madou has established himself as a pivotal figure in West African music. Known for his powerful bass lines on the ngoni — the oldest string instrument in West Africa — Madou brings depth and rhythm to every performance, underpinning a unique sound that has captured audiences around the world. In addition to his performances, Madou has recorded several albums with his father and produced music for various Malian artists, contributing to a growing legacy that honors tradition while advancing the possibilities of African music for the modern world.
Madou is a key member of Ngoni Ba, his father’s globally renowned band that has won multiple international awards and nominations. His contributions to Ngoni Ba have been instrumental in shaping its dynamic, layered sound, and his bass ngoni — an innovation by his older brother — adds a resonant, punchy rhythm that gives the band’s music its distinctive feel. Touring extensively with Ngoni Ba, Madou has helped showcase the group’s signature blend of traditional and contemporary West African music to audiences across continents.
Here is also a founding member is Trio Da Kali, a griot music group from Mali that collaborated with the American string Kronos Quartet with whom they recorded an award-winning album, Ladilikan (2017, World Circuit). The album includes arrangements of two tracks by American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. His work with Ngoni Ba and Trio Da Kali solidifies his role as an influential artist, bridging cultures and captivating audiences with the rich sounds of Mali.
Madou takes his artistry further with his new trio, collaborating with kora player and vocalist Tiemoko Diabate and percussionist Lassine Kouyaté to create a fresh, inventive take on Malian music. The trio brings together the ngoni, kora, and traditional percussion, offering a contemporary and vibrant take on ancient griot traditions. Their performances reveal the soul of West African music and introduce a new generation of Malian musicians to the global stage.