A Comtempary mix of Groovy Jazz, Wassoulou Blues & West African Bambara Traditions

Harouna Samake, long time Kamale n’goni player for legendary Malian musician Salif Keita, is releasing his anticipated first solo album, Kamale Blues, in August, 2018. 

Recognised as Mali’s foremost Kamale n’goni player, Harouna has a long history of award winning musical collaborations. He arranged and recorded on five of Salif Keita’s albums and has also recorded on more than 50 albums with artists including Blick Bassy, Djessou Mory Kanté, Etienne Mbappé and Bassekou Kouyate, to name a few. On his new solo album, Harouna employs his talents to reflect upon issues present in the world around him. His lyrics are the foundation for this conceptual approach, referencing themes of immigration, wealth & inequality, gender relations, and human rights. Sung mostly in his native Bambara with some English and French phrasing, Harouna’s album mixes various genres – from manding styles, to jazz and blues. His sound is unique, groovy and full of lawyers of tradional Malian arrangements with comtemporary ideas and strong solos. The chorus are song with the soft angelic vocal of his wife, Assetou Diakite that contrasts Harounas soft yet somewhat 'raw' voice.