Balla Bangoura

Biography

Both Senegalese and Guinean, Balla Bangoura was born into a family of griots. From his earliest childhood he learned the arts of dance, song and music within his family, took part in the many ceremonies that punctuate community life and played in the ballets. Heir to the griots of the Mandé — singers, generation after generation, of the genealogies and praises of the ancient Mali Empire — he carries on the tradition of his ancestors.

His instrument is the kora, a plucked-string harp-lute and the griot's instrument par excellence. Arriving in France gave him the momentum to perfect his playing: he became a singer and composer with his own bands, and builds his own koras. His love of sharing led him to encounter many cultures and musical styles, enriching his inspiration.

Balla claims a fiery Afro-Mandingo style: he weaves his kora into an energetic combo of guitar, bass, drums and percussion. His songs tell of his journey from Casamance, where he grew up, of encounters and of the importance of friendships made far from home — and through every note echoes the voice of the ancestors. Music that sets hearts alight and makes bodies dance, between modern African music and Western sounds.

On video — official clips and live performances

Afro-Mandingo live session · Bivouak Session

Africa · Official video

Live in Marseille · Official video

Artist introduction · Official video

Milestones

A griot trained from childhood in Casamance, Balla Bangoura has performed at La Belle Électrique and the Voiron Jazz Festival in Grenoble, presented his 'Voyage au pays des griots' recital and toured Guadeloupe in spring 2026, along a long run of French concerts (including a release party at the Magic Bus 2025 festival at L'Ampérage, Grenoble).

Show formats

• Live concert (band)
• Trio
• Solo kora recital — 'Voyage au pays des griots'