Projects

From the streets of Bamako to the ports of Piraeus, music has long been a powerful voice for the marginalised. This performance unites the rich musical heritage of West African blues and the defiant spirit of Greek rebetiko, forging a compelling connection between two traditions deeply rooted in resilience, longing, and liberation. At the heart of this collaboration are the Mande Blues Ensemble (MBE) and Estudiantina of Melbourne. Led by esteemed musicians Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate (kamalengoni, guitar, percussion) and Amadou Suso (kora), experience the soulful rhythms of West African blues as MBE weaves the ancient kora’s intricate melodies into an evocative soundscape.