Kaabi Kouyaté
AFRO-JAZZ SINGER, MUSICIAN & COMPOSER
BIOGRAPHY
Kaabi Kouyaté, continues the griot tradition of his ancestors by joining the past with the present while keeping crowds around the world on their feet with his charismatic performances. Since his debut, Kaabi has established himself as a multi-talented artist, navigating between theater, traditional music and Mandingo jazz. His career has led him to collaborate with iconic figures and perform on the world's most prestigious stages.
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After his first album "Faso" (Kouyate and Kouyate) by Syllart Productions, during his stay in Paris, Kaabi was spotted by Souleymane Koly, a theater director. He starred as the protagonist in "Waramba: Un Opera Mandingue" produced by Remy Renoux and the Théâtre du Rond-Pointes Champs-Elysées, a renowned institution in the world of live performance. From then, he toured on stage and musical productions with Abidjan’s Koteba Ensemble.
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Starting in 1997, Kaabi began an artistic transformation. He enriched his repertoire by merging traditional Mandingo sounds with modern influences, developing a unique and deeply personal approach. His international recognition grew, and in 1999, he embarked on a tour of the United States, performing in prestigious venues such as:
BAM Majestic Theatre, Brooklyn, NY
University of Massachusetts
New Jersey Performing Arts Theatre
Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
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The year 2000 marked a turning point with the release of his second album, "Silante", which reflected his artistic maturity. Distributed in Africa, Europe, and the United States, this album was a huge success and established his reputation on the international scene.
His meeting with pianist Cheick Tidiane Seck, a major figure in Mandingo music and jazz, marked a new milestone. Alongside him, Kaabi discovered the world of jazz fusion.
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In 2006, legendary jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, captivated by Kaabi's versatility, invited him on her world tour. This partnership with Dee Dee Bridgewater opened new perspectives in the worlds of jazz, blues, and pop, solidifying his status as a multicultural and versatile artist.
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Now, with a career spanning over 40 years, Kaabi continues to push the boundaries of Mandingo music. Heir to a griotic tradition yet deeply rooted in contemporary music, Kaabi embodies the future of Mandingo music, a bridge between cultures, genres, and generations.
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