Bamako Express

Bamako Express is a musical cross-pollination of traditions, cultures, and stories. With two Belgian musicians and two artists from Bamako - the bustling capital of Mali - this quartet creates a unique sound in which folk, roots, and West African sounds flow seamlessly into each other. Guitar and violin enter into dialogue with the warm, enchanting sounds of balafon and n’goni, while the djembe provides an irresistible groove. On stage, the energy splashes off. Bamako Express stands for virtuosity, playing pleasure, and connection: their concerts are lively encounters where generations come together and where audience and musicians take each other on a journey between Europe and West Africa. That strong live reputation did not go unnoticed: in 2026 the band won the Flanders Folk Award for Best Live Band. With their debut album L’ombre du Croco, Bamako Express builds a musical bridge between worlds. In Bambara — a language spoken in large parts of Mali and Burkina Faso — they sing about themes such as family, love, tradition, identity, and connection. Warm vocals, hypnotic balafon, sparkling violin, and infectious rhythms flow together into a rich and colorful sound that is both deeply rooted and surprisingly contemporary. Anouk Sanczuk – violin / Massa Joel Diarra – Balafon, vocals / Florian De Schepper – acoustic and electric guitar / Ousmane Diarra – n'goni, djembe, calabash, vocals