#5009, Generational Tributes in West African Music

Hear music in tribute from one generation to another from kora masters Toumani Diabaté (1965-2024) and Ballaké Sissoko, multi-instrumentalist Patrick Bebey, and tributes to Malian guitarist Boubacar Traoré.

There’s music by Cameroonian singer, multi-instrumentalist, poet, and musicologist Francis Bebey (1929–2001) who was "a pioneering musician and composer, blending African rhythms with electronic sounds. Based in Paris, his work fused traditional instruments like the sanza with synthesizers, creating a unique style that bridged African heritage and modern experimentation”, (Bandcamp). Plus, hear music in tribute - a version of his “Coffee Cola Song” - by his son, Patrick Bebey.

Then, listen to another transmission of traditions from one generation to the next with kora music from West Africa. Hear two kora virtuosos, recorded in the natural acoustics (with no added reverb) of the Palais de Congrés from the late Toumani Diabaté (1965-2024) and Ballaké Sissoko. It’s from their 1999 release, New Ancient Strings, inspired by the landmark 1970 album, Mali: Ancient Strings (recorded by their fathers, Sidiki Diabaté and Djelimadi Sissoko), all featuring contemporary versions of traditional Mande repertoire, some of which dates back to the 13th century.

Then, listen to music by Malian guitarist Boubacar Traoré, and tributes to his Malian blues with Bill Frisell's twangy"Boubacar," from the singular Intercontinentals record. Plus, music by Vancouver jazz guitarist and oud player Gordon Grdina, also in tribute to Malian guitarist Boubacar Traore – a piece for jazz quartet with near eastern percussion, and oud. - Caryn Havlik

Program #5009, Generational Tributes  (First aired 5/20/2025)

ARTIST:  Francis Bebey
WORK: The Coffee Cola Song[1:40]
RECORDING: African Electronic Music 1975 – 1982
SOURCE: Born Bad Records
INFO: Available at Amazon.com, YouTube, Spotify

ARTIST:  Francis Bebey
WORK: Akwaaba[5:49]
RECORDING: Akwaaba: Music For Sanza
SOURCE: Original Music 
INFO: Available at AppleMusic, Amazon.com, Spotify

ARTIST: Patrick Bebey
WORK: The Coffee Cola Song[3:35]
RECORDING: Ponda
SOURCE: Ozileka
INFO: https://africaseven.bandcamp.com/album/ponda

ARTIST: Patrick Bebey
WORK: Beware[3:05]
RECORDING: Ponda
SOURCE: Ozileka
INFO: https://africaseven.bandcamp.com/album/ponda

ARTIST: Sidiki Diabaté and Djelimadi Sissoko
WORK: Ala La Ke[4:18]
RECORDING: Mali: Ancient Strings 
SOURCE: Buda Records
INFO: Try Discogs.com  

ARTIST: Toumani Diabaté with Ballaké Sissoko
WORK: Salaman[6:14]
RECORDING: New Ancient Strings
SOURCE: Hannibal Records, reissued Chrysalis Records
INFO: Try AppleMusic, Amazon.com, Spotify, YouTube

ARTIST: Boubacar Traoré
WORK: Soundiata [6:10]
RECORDING: The Best Of Boubacar Traoré
SOURCE: Wrasse
INFO: Try Discogs.com

ARTIST: Bill Frisell
WORK: Boubacar [4:38]
RECORDING: The Intercontinentals
SOURCE: Nonesuch
INFO: nonesuch.com

ARTIST: Gordon Grdina's The Marrow
WORK: Boubacar [7:06]
RECORDING: Ejdeha
SOURCE: Songlines SGL2409
INFO: https://songlines.com/artist/gordon-grdina | https://gordongrdina.bandcamp.com/album/ejdeha