Balimaya Project

Balimaya Project

Balimaya Project is an England-based 16-piece collective that brings together West African folkloric music and jazz. Formed in 2019 by percussionist Yahael Camara Onono, the group draws on the repertoire and instrumentation of the Mande peoples of Senegal and Mali and connects that tradition with jazz and the sounds of Black London.

The name “Balimaya” comes from the Maninka language and means the essence of kinship. The group is based in London and has performed on main stages at festivals across the UK, including We Out Here!, Brainchild Fest and End Of the Road.

Its debut album, Wolo So, is released in 2021.