BASED in BERLIN / BORN in ABIDJAN, CÔTE D’IVOIRE
The leading voice
of contemporary balafon
Bringing the sound of the West Africa’s iconic instrument into contemporary jazz and improvisation.
13 generations
of Griot traditions and instrument building
30 years
of innovation and international career
German Jazz Prize
2022 in the category Special Instruments
UNESCO Paris 2026
Presentation of the world's largest balafon
ABOUT
A major innovator of the balafon
Born in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and based in Berlin, Aly Keïta has spent more than three decades expanding the possibilities of the centuries-old West African instrument — establishing it as a powerful voice in contemporary jazz, improvisation and global music.
A recipient of the German Jazz Prize (2022), Keïta is recognised not only for his extraordinary musicianship but for his pioneering approach: through instrument development, cross-cultural collaborations and a highly distinctive musical language, he has helped redefine the balafon beyond its traditional context and brought it to the forefront of contemporary performance.
Berlin has become his artistic laboratory — a place where Manding musical thought, jazz improvisation and contemporary composition continuously interact and evolve. His work has taken him to major festivals, concert halls and cultural institutions across Europe and beyond.
Listen on :
FOR YOUR GRAMMY CONSIDERATION
ONE WORLD RECORDS / ALY KEÏTA TRIO
LINE UP:
Aly Keïta — balafons, kalimba, voice
Roberto Badoglio — e-bass
Marcel van Cleef — drums, percussions
Feat. Mariam Koné — voice
Discover the stories
behind the album
Every composition carries a memory.
Explore the people, places and history behind Balafon Evolution.
Adjamé Street
Music by Aly Keïta
Arr. Aly Keïta Trio
Adjamé is the oldest commune in Abidjan and the capital of the Bidjans, the city's founding people. The name Adjamé means "meeting place" or "centre" in the Ebrié (or Tchaman) language. Adjamé's streets are typically lively and are best known for being a bustling commercial hub. They are often crowded with street vendors and bush taxis (known locally as "gbakas"). The area has a cosmopolitan spirit, combining intense trading activity with neighbourhood life.
Highlights
Book Aly Keïta for your festival or concert hall
Direct enquiries for the 2027-2028 Aly Keïta tour.
Tell us about your event and the team will respond personally.
Contacts
Booking:
Management:
Olha Kovalevska
Press Kit & Riders
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