Malian Superstar Comes to Peel - Win a CD! . isleofman.com Local News

One of the world's most uplifting musical sounds will ring out from Peel's Centenary Centre on Saturday 31st October when Mali's Bassekou Kouyate and his seven-piece band, Ngoni Ba, come to town.

The Centenary Centre has an excellent track record of introducing stunning world artists to local audiences and Bassekou is no exception.

The award-winning artist, whose sound centres on the ngoni, a type of traditional African lute, has won fans and garnered acclaim all over the world for his electrifying performances.

Since its release in September, 'I Speak Fula', his second album, has generated rave reviews from the international music press.

Delighting audiences from Bamako to London with their infectious sound, his band Ngoni Ba - described by the UK's Independent newspaper as "the best rock 'n' roll band in the world" - has played everywhere from the Albert Hall to Later with Jools Holland (to check out the performances, visit Bassekou's website - link below).

In the last few years, the Centenary Centre has embraced such wildly diverse acts as Baka Beyond, Fairport Convention, Moishe's Bagel and Seckou Keita, and continues to serve up an eclectic live mix.

The buzz around the Peel concert, which has been organised in association with the Isle of Man Arts Council, has been steadily building and three-quarters of the tickets have already been sold.

The band is set to make a second appearance on Later with Jools Holland next week, in support of their UK tour, and this added exposure is likely to cause a last-minute demand for tickets, so move quickly if you want to catch this extraordinary group in action.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre, Dave McLean comments, "I am sure this will be one of the best shows we have ever had at the Centre, so please don't miss out!"

Tickets are on sale now, priced ?15, from regular retail outlets, Celtic Gold (Peel), Peter Norris Music (Douglas), Shakti Man (Ramsey) and Thompson Travel (Port Erin).

Online Ticket System Launched

The Centenary Centre is also trialling online ticket sales for both the Bassekou Kouyate concert and Mabon, a dynamic folk duo who are set to play on Thursday 22nd October.

It couldn't be easier to book your tickets online - simply visit the Centre's website (details below).

Atholl Bar Now Open

The Centre has also been enhanced by the addition of an entrance foyer and full bar, which is open for pre-show and interval drinks, serving wine, beer and spirits.

All the Way from Mali - Introducing the 'Ngoni Wizard'

From the artist's MySpace page:

"From his early days in Bamako, when he was playing in a trio together with Toumani Diabate and Keletigui Diabate, till today, where he is pursuing his own career, Bassekou has transformed the traditional music of the ngoni into the modern world.

"With his band Ngoni Ba, Bassekou has opened up the magic of an age-old music that he and his band have been playing for their entire lives, to people all over the world.

"Bassekou Kouyate has now become the ambassador of the Ngoni, bringing this ancient instrument back to where it used to be: the centre of Malian music.

"The new album, ‘I Speak Fula’, expresses the spirit of openness and tolerance. The music of the griots has always been about building bridges between people and Mali itself is a very multi-ethnic country.

"The music is for everyone and you do not have to speak Fula to join the party.

"For Bassekou, it has been a long journey that started out in Garana, a small village on the Niger river where he grew up, then took him to the town of Segu, capital of the region, and on to Mali’s capital Bamako.

"And now it is taking him and his music around the world."

Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba will be shown on Later with Jools Holland on Tuesday 20th October at 10pm on BBC2, and on Friday 23rd October at 11.35pm on BBC2 and BBC HD.

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WIN A COPY OF 'I SPEAK FULA'!

The Centenary Centre has teamed up with isleofman.com to give away one copy of Bassekou Kouyate's brilliant new CD, 'I Speak Fula'.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: what is the name of the traditional instrument played by Bassekou?

Email your entries to info@isleofman.com, with Bassekou Competition in the subject field.

Please include your name and contact telephone number. Deadline for entries: Midnight on Friday 23rd October.

The winner's name will be drawn from all the correct entries, and the winner will be notified by email/phone. Good luck!