The Aba Diop Trio

Aba Diop, Noumoucounda Cissoko and Jason Hosier are a power trio transmitting a new genre of West African sabar fusion music featuring the propulsive rhythms of Diop’s sabar drum percussion, the kora, a 21-stringed double-bridged African harp-lute played by the renowned Cissoko, and the elastic fluidity of Hosier’s jazzy, meditative guitar riffs.

Aba has played on world stages for festivals, at Kehinde Wiley’s Black Rock, in ceremonies as a griot, and with diverse groups and individuals including Yo-Yo Ma, John Medeski and Billy Martin.

He has gathered with Noumoucounda (known for his collaborations with Omar Pene, Youssou N’Dour, Alpha Blondy, MC Solaar, Stromae, and Chanel) and Jason Hosier (a breakout musician from the East Coast of the US) to form a completely unique band that brings together the storytelling griot tradition, Sufi mysticism, rock and jazz influences, and the sparkling kora.

Diop’s punchy vocals mixed with Cissoko’s prayerful quarter tone-singing are layered over Hosier’s dreamy guitar for an effect that signals they all draw from the deepest of wells.

The overall effect is a dulcet, mesmerizing amalgam that manages to be both tethered to an ancient impulse while offering a current—and deeply listenable—reflection of our shared humanity.

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Starts at 7:30. Free with your meal. Everything is Eshi.

Music at Bunna Cafe, Under The Grass Roof.