Habib Koité

African guitarist Habib Koité is one of the most popular and eclectic musicians to ever come out of Mali. The self-taught performer has developed a personal sound derived from a number of ethnic and regional styles native to his home country. His unique approach to the guitar features the use of a pentatonic tuning played on open strings and includes a sprinkling of blues and flamenco influences. He calls it danssa doso, and it has caught the attention of notable admirers as diverse as Jackson Browne, Eric Bibb, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Bonnie Raitt will tell you, “With his combination of chops and soul, he's the most amazing guitarist I've heard in years.”