Senegal Music evening by Azubike & Ibou Ndongue feat: Pape Kora

Get ready for a magical evening of West African music as bassist and multi-instrumentalist Azubike and percussionist Ibou Ndongue join forces with special guest Pape Kora for a celebration of Senegalese musical heritage. This unique collaboration promises to take audiences on a captivating journey through traditional Mandingue rhythms, Afro-Jazz, and universal sounds that transcend borders. Pape Kora, born Pape Brahim Niang Cissokho in 1994 in Senegal and now based in Belgium, is a kora virtuoso, singer, songwriter, and composer. Initiated into the kora at the tender age of five, Pape represents the 72nd generation of one of the oldest griot families—the guardians of oral tradition, advisors to kings, and awakeners of consciousness. His music offers an original repertoire of Afro-Jazz-traditionnel songs—a fusion of African tradition with jazz, blues, and world music. Sometimes explosive, sometimes intimate, Pape's music is carried by his warm voice and the breathtaking virtuosity of his kora playing. His vast repertoire of original songs, performed in Wolof, creates a magical musical experience that takes listeners on a journey around the world. Pape has performed extensively across Spain, Japan, Senegal, the United Kingdom, Germany, Morocco, France, South Africa, and Belgium. Joining him is Azubike, a versatile bassist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher from Amsterdam. With roots in both Dutch and Nigerian cultures, Azubike's music effortlessly bridges genres—from jazz, soul, funk, and reggae to classical and West African music. A graduate of the Conservatory of Amsterdam, he has established himself as an international musician with all-round live and studio experience. His innovative solo project, Bach on Bass, reimagines classical works on the electric bass, showcasing his ability to find common ground between seemingly distant musical worlds. As Azubike himself puts it:
"To me, different genres of music are like different dialects of the same language; if you look deep enough you can always find a connection between them." Completing the trio is Ibou Ndongue, a percussionist born in the vibrant Médina neighborhood of Dakar, Senegal. A master of the djembe, doun doun, and other traditional West African percussion, Ndongue has been living and working in the Netherlands since 2014. He has collaborated with musicians such as Bao Sissoko and has performed at renowned venues and festivals including Mezrab, Tropenmuseum, Down the Rabbit Hole, and Teatro Munganga. His rhythmic prowess and deep connection to Senegalese traditions bring an authentic pulse to the ensemble. This concert is a rare opportunity to experience the convergence of tradition and innovation, as these three exceptional musicians weave together the sounds of Senegal with contemporary global influences. From the mesmerizing strings of the kora to the hypnotic beats of the djembe and the rich tones of the bass guitar, the evening promises to be a celebration of cultural richness and artistic excellence. Don't miss this extraordinary musical journey through the sounds of Senegal and beyond. Join us for an evening that honors tradition, embraces innovation, and celebrates the universal language of music.