There’s a lot going on with Moh! Kouyate. First, his impressive musical history: born in Conakry in Guinea and now based in Paris, the young guitarist has worked with artists Ba Cissoko, Corey Harris and Fatoumata Diawara. Then, whilst remaining engaged with the traditional Mandingo music of West Africa, he lists a significant number of musical influences: Hendrix and George Benson, funk and afrobeat, jazz and blues.

The debut album itself sounds like a mixing pot of all this experience – almost like a ‘best of’ album rather than the single, definitive sound of an artist asserting himself on the world stage for the first time.

But it’s within this mix that the pleasure and potential lies. His live performances are said to be full of youthful energy and charm, easy-going songs and smooth guitar solos.

What will he do next? Nobody can say, but he’ll certainly put on a good show.

Preview: WOMAD Charlton Park 2016 (Malmesbury, 28th – 31st July)

WOMAD UK 2016 edition will also be the 10th on the grounds of Charlton Park, that’ why the organisers are already going all out to celebrate the anniversary… You just have to take a glance at the first name announced for the upcoming 34th edition of the event, which will take…

Artists: Afriquoi , Aziza Brahim , Baaba Maal , Baloji , Dom La Nena , George Clinton , Hot 8 Brass Band , Ibrahim Maalouf , Moh! Kouyaté , Sidestepper

Album Review: Moh! Kouyaté – Loundo (Un Jour) [Foli Son; 2nd February 2016]

Loundo (Un Jour) is the coming-of-age, debut album from Guinean-born Moh! Kouyaté.  A protégé of the Mandingo tradition, Kouyaté is establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ on the international world music scene. After a cursory glance at both his image and musical style, the spectre of Kasiah Jones looms large, which…

Artists: Moh! Kouyaté