Aly Keïta: Radio Portrait on WDR 3

WDR 3 has dedicated a full one-hour edition of Open World to Aly Keïta. In the programme, journalist Babette Michel calls him “the king of the balafon” and explores how he has transformed the traditional West African instrument into a powerful voice in contemporary jazz and improvisation. The programme also features an interview with Aly himself.

It is centred primarily on Aly’s latest album, Balafon Evolution (One World Records 2026), while also presenting other periods, collaborations and sides of his artistic work, including Trio Ivoire, Keïta–Brönnimann–Niggli and his collaboration with Guo Gan. It is presented in German, but music is at its heart — making it well worth discovering for listeners everywhere.

Available on WDR 3 until 1 October 2027. Listen here.