AfroCubism

World Circuit Records producer Nick Gold formed Afrocubism as an ensemble uniting Cuban and Malian musicians. During the 1990s his initial plan called for Cuban players, Ry Cooder, ngoni master Bassekou Kouyate, and electric guitarist Djelimady Tounkara to convene in the studio. Visa complications prevented the session, so the Cuban participants and Cooder instead produced the legendary Buena Vista Social Club album. More than ten years later Gold revived the project and gathered an accomplished roster of performers from both nations. Lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Eliades Ochoa fronts the ensemble, whose Cuban contingent largely consists of members from his long-celebrated Grupo Patria. On the Malian side Kouyate and Tounkara direct proceedings, supported by vocalist Kassé-Mady Diabaté, balafon maestro Lassana Diabaté, world-renowned kora player Toumani Diabaté, talking-drum specialist Baba Sissoko, and additional musicians. The self-titled album appeared in October 2010 to widespread critical acclaim, after which the group embarked on a European tour.