N’FALY KOUYATÉ — The Avant Garde Griot
We might not be aware but N’Faly Kouyaté is a one of a kind legend. This Brussels based multi-instrumentalist, composer and visionary is respected worldwide. Originally from Conakry where he received a very traditional and rigorous Guinean musical education, N’Faly came to Brussels in 1994 where he graduated at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Soon after he started an international career, notably as a member of Afro Celt Sound System, who travelled the world with their unique fusion of African and Celtic traditions with electronic dance elements.
During his solo career Kouyaté became the forerunner of a new style he called Afrotonix, a mixture of polyphony and cutting-edge electronic creativity in harmony with traditional instruments and Manding heritage. During his travels he collaborated with international artist like Peter Gabriel, William Kentridge, Phil Manzanera and Whyclef Jean.
His latest album ‘Finishing, released in September 2025, is an artistic manifesto conveying universal values like unity, resilience, compassion and social engagement. This album marks the culmination of both a spiritual and creative journey — a call to reconnect with ancestral heritage while stepping boldly toward the future.
Kouyaté is surely a visionary artist and true living bridge between Africa and the West.
On the occasion of Africa Day, celebrated on May 25th, AB will host the final and only Belgian stop of the international ‘Finishing’ tour which led him from South-Africa, through Europe and the UK. This extraordinary evening celebrates the encounter of African traditions and modern electronic sounds, in a powerful staged performance blending music, dance, visual art and humanist storytelling.

A vibrant spectacle with prestigious guest performances
The N’Faly Kouyaté Band consisting of N’Faly Kouyaté (lead vocals, kora, balafon), Nico D’Avell (keyboards, percussion, vocals), Jay Chitula (SPDS electronic percussion, vocals), Muriel Kouyaté (hybrid percussion, vocals), Gaëlle Swan (electronic drums, vocals) and Didier Likeng (bass, vocals) will be expanded with 4 dancers, 2 backing vocalists, and a Ghent-based (specially assembled) string quartet conducted by Anouk Sanzouk.
The special guests embody the pan-African musical dialogue representing the core of N’Faly Kouyaté’s vision. Africa’s leading reggae artist Tiken Jah Fakoly (Ivory Coast) will be present to perform ‘Free Water’, while Senegalese conscious hip-hip/reggae pioneer (founding member of Positive Black Soul) Didier Awadi (Senegal) will sing ‘Serment Volant’.
Lil Saako is a former member of Instinct Killers, who gained international recognition through his viral hit ‘Zapata’. He blends traditional Guinean rhythms with modern urban sounds and represents the new generation of African artists — bold, rooted in tradition, contemporary in vision, and open to the world.
The renowned 100% female percussion ensemble LAY THIS DRUM! will join the show for the track ‘Kawa’, a powerful anthem against arrogance and vanity. Last but not least the vibrant duo Two Dots will surprise us with one of their dynamic performances.
The narrative and artistic universe of the performance will be enhanced by original immersive video projections created by visual artist Saran Werner.
This vibrant tribute to the African continent and its boundless creativity with prestigious guests is a night not to be missed.

© Willem Mevis