Afrocubism

Afrocubism is a collective of Cuban and Malian musicians formed by World Circuit Records producer Nick Gold. Gold first develops the project in the 1990s with plans to bring together Cuban musicians, Ry Cooder, Malian ngoni player Bassekou Kouyate and electric guitarist Djelimady Tounkara, but visa problems prevent that session from taking place. The Cuban musicians and Cooder instead make the Buena Vista Social Club album, while Gold later returns to the original concept and assembles a larger group from both countries.

The group is fronted by lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Eliades Ochoa. His Grupo Patria form the majority of the Cuban musicians in the band. The Malian side is led by Kouyate and Tounkara, and also includes vocalist Kassé-Mady Diabaté, balafon player Lassana Diabaté, kora player Toumani Diabaté and talking drum player Baba Sissoko, among others.

Afrocubism's self-titled album is released in October 2010 and receives widespread critical acclaim. A European tour follows.