Balla Kouyaté & Matchume Zango: Bala Bila

BALA BILA is an irresistible musical meeting of two African master musicians: Balla Kouyate of Mali and Matchume Zango of Mozambique. Keepers of deep tradition with undeniable contemporary appeal, they bring West and East African musical worlds into kinetic conversation. Mixing Mozambican timbila, mbira, vocals, and xitende (the mother of the berimbau) with West African balafon, calabash, vocals and bass guitar, the duo creates an infectious groove. Drawing on sampling and live loops, their performance moves effortlessly between Matchume's spiritual, atmospheric soundscapes and Balla's flash and fireworks—transporting audiences while speaking directly to younger generations. Photo Credit: Stephanie Scherpf