ALY KEÏTA TRIO FT. MARIAM KONÉ (DE)

The Aly Keïta Trio embodies the multicultural pulse of the Berlin jazz scene. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, the three musicians have found a shared language on stage while exploring one of Europe’s most dynamic jazz hubs. With their debut album Balafon Evolution (One World Records, 2026), Ivorian balafon virtuoso Aly Keïta opens new horizons for the instrument in improvised music. The project moves between groovy African rhythms, rich polyphony, and elements of jazz, forming a fusion that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.

With Balafon Evolution, the trio establishes a new level of balafon artistry, creating afrofuturistic soundscapes that transcend cultural boundaries. With a minimalist line-up of balafon, electric bass, and drums, the music is both full-bodied and highly dynamic. Aiming to approach the balafon like a piano, Keïta emphasizes melody, building vibrant harmonies alongside Roberto Badoglio’s experimental bass lines and Marcel van Cleef’s distinctive drumming. Special guest Mariam Koné is a Malian singer, educator, and member of Les Amazones d’Afrique.