MAMAR KASSEY

‘Irresistible, hyper energetic songs’ (de Volkskrant) by Niger’s most famous band. Vocals, dance, West-African string instruments and percussion led by the charismatic Yacouba Moumouni.

The Amsterdam Roots Festival kicks off with Mamar Kassey, the first band from the West-African desert country Niger to achieve international recognition. ‘Irresistible, hyper energetic songs’, said leading Dutch daily de Volkskrant about the 8-piece group led by Yacouba Moumouni, a singer with a remarkable life story. As a boy he left his home to flee 125 miles from the desert to the capital, where he learned several instruments and even became one of the best dancers in the National Ballet.

Aside from Yacouba Moumouni on vocals, fula flute and ngoni-lute, the group consists of traditional string and percussion players and two female singers and dancers who counterbalance Yacouba’s powerful voice. Mamar Kassey was named after a legendary warrior from Saharan history. Yacouba’s passionate songs often deal with injustice, for example in the neighbouring country Mali.

‘Leader Yacouba Moumouni’s voice is like honey seasoned with pepper; a sweet rasp that floats and soars effortlessly over the rich, layered rhythms of the band, answered by the female chorus’ (BBC).

‘Leader Yacouba Moumouni’s voice is like honey seasoned with pepper; a sweet rasp that floats and soars effortlessly over the rich, layered rhythms of the band, answered by the female chorus’ (BBC).

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).