KABEY KONATE ET FARAFINA ROOTS

It’s not just anyone who gets to be the opening act for the likes of Alpha Blondy or Tiken Jah Fakoly! The reggae style of this charismatic musician, who has been living in Montreal since 2017, is punctuated with Mandinka rhythms, giving it a unique flavour—that of being steeped in the wisdom of the Old Ones. Considered the griot of reggae, Kabey Konate delivers an extremely colourful performance, while his lyrics advocating unity are carried by the infectious enthusiasm in his voice and his spirited joyful presence. Last year, Konate, along with artists Kayiri and King Shadrock, composed and performed a song in honour of Nuits d’Afrique’s 35th anniversary.