Afropop Worldwide

The shimmering acoustic guitar and Malian rhythms of Mamadou Kelly and his band, Ban Kai Na, will be on hand as they return to the U.S. for an extensive summer tour. Once a member of Ali Farka Toure's famed group, Kelly sings effortlessly, commanding the audience with a unique brand of Sahelian soul. Following the success of his 2013 recording, Adibar, he draws from the expert musicianship of Ban Kai Na in his sophomore effort, Djamila, moving between driving percussion and intimate vocal performances. Afropop’s Banning Eyre has offered his seal of approval, detailing the album’s “crisp grooves, brilliant playing and arranging, and a vibe that just won’t let go.” Don’t miss any opportunity to catch a live performance from these incredible musicians! A native of Niafunke, in the heartland of Mali's Niger River Delta, Kelly toured Europe in the spring and is booked for 19 dates in the U.S. during July and August. To our New York City followers, keep an eye out for the group at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan on July 27 and Union Pool in Brooklyn Aug. 10. Mamadou Kelly and Ban Kai Na 2016 U.S. Tour Dates: July 6: Cooperage, Albuquerque NM July 7: Bandstand, Sante Fe NM July 8: Folk Art Market, Sante Fe NM July 9: Folk Art Market, Sante Fe NM July 10: Folk Art Market, Sante Fe NM July 13: The Echo, DubClub, Los Angeles CA July 15: Basement, Nashville TN July 16: Mothlight, Asheville NC July 17: Black Swan Books and Music, Staunton, VA July 20: Falcon, Marlboro NY July 22: Music Hall, Portsmouth NH July 23: Freedom Square, Troy NY July 27: Joe’s Pub, Manhattan NY July 29: BSP, Kingston NY Aug 5: Kennedy Center, Washington DC Aug 6: Balliceaux, Richmond VA Aug 7: Bossa Bistro, Washington DC Aug 10: Union Pool, Brooklyn NY Aug 12: Half Moon, Hudson NY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnypV1mf-xY