"Two worlds that, at first glance, seem worlds apart, but which come together seamlessly thanks to their virtuosity and unbridled joy of playing. Percussion and melodies are effortlessly woven into grooves that could make even a refrigerator dance. Their stage presence is one big party, bathed in sunshine, joy, and an irresistible urge to go all out"
Christian Martin of PlayRight+
Bamako Express is not just a band. It is a fusion of worlds, a meeting of cultures, and an explosion of musical brilliance. This quartet, made up of two talented Belgian musicians and two outstanding musicians from Mali and Burkina Faso, has joined forces to create something extraordinary: a fusion of folk and West African magic!
Bamako Express features a unique line-up combining the warm sounds of the guitar, the captivating tones of the violin, and the enchanting melodies of the balafon, supported by the driving rhythms of the djembe. Each instrument plays a crucial role in shaping the band's distinctive sound palette.
Bamako Express was formed in 2022 at the Missy Sippy music café in Ghent (Belgium), when guitarist Florian De Schepper, violinist Anouk Sanczuk, and balafonist Joël "Jojo" Diarra met. Joël invited his cousin Ousmana Diarra to join the trio, expanding it into a quartet. He would take on percussion duties. The four musicians combined their expertise in Flemish folk on the one hand and Afrobeat on the other—inspired by the ancient musical traditions of the Bwa people of Mali and Burkina Faso—to explore the genre of Afro-(Bal)folk together.
Bamako Express has already achieved several milestones in a short time. In less than three years, they became artists-in-residence at the Merode Festival and have performed on various stages—both small and large, national and international.
Bamako Express has been voted winner in the Best Live Band category at the Flanders Folk Awards 2026!
Anouk Sanczuk: violin
Joël Diarra: balafon, voice
Florian De Schepper: guitare
Ousmane Diarra: djembe, ngoni, kalebas, voice