Zook Beat had the pleasure of interviewing Bassekou Kouyate during his first US tour.

From his early days in Bamako when he was playing in a trio together with Toumani Diabaté and Kélétigui Diabaté till today where he is pursuing his own career, Bassekou has transformed the traditional music of the ngoni into the modern world of today. With his band Ngoni Ba he has created a new lineup as a quartet with a band's style of playing.

On this recent tour, Bassekou Kouyaté and Ngoni Ba where playing new tunes from their new release: "I speak Fula" and also older compositions from Segu Blue. The music of the griots has always been about building bridges between people; and one of the things that has made Bassekou stand out both at home in Mali, and on the international circuit is his willingness to reach out, and work and communicate with various musicians from around the globe (U2, Bela Fleck, Bjorg...) and at home. When talking about their first Album Segu Blue, Bassekou talks about wanting to introduce to the world the instrument - the Ngoni - and what it can't do. Outside of West Africa, the instrument is not very well known "and I wanted for people to hear how versatile and beautiful the sound of the Ngoni is." Segu Blue won many awards world wide and Bassekou saw an opportunity to do more...and reach a wider listening audience "I love to see people be happy and have fun - so I incorporated more vigorous and electric rhythms in this second release - something more playful!" "I speak Fula" grooves with more intricate rhythmic textures, and laces in more western electric elements than the former album.

The crowd was eating up everything dished out with relish... from the traditional bluesy sounds of the desert to the more upbeat dancing grooves... the group is tight and the energy infectious. We all look forward to their next visit!