World music full of tender introspection and, at the same time, gripping dynamism: Singer and multi-instrumentalist Nils Kercher draws inspiration from the traditions of West Africa as well as from the introspective atmosphere of the Nordic wilderness and modern songwriting.
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Nils Kercher Trio mit Special Guest Oumar Barou Kouyaté (Mali) - African Pulse & Nordic Space
With a multifaceted arsenal of percussion, the kora, the balafon, guitar, and an interwoven tapestry of voices, his international trio presents a vibrant fusion of two musical worlds. The music brings the continents together through a new lyrical musical language—and captivates listeners of all generations and nationalities.
With his virtuosic playing of the Malian ngoni, a spindle-shaped lute, Barou Kouyaté—a longtime collaborator and nephew of the internationally renowned Bassekou Kouyaté—brings a warm tone to the musical texture.
Kira Kaipainen accompanies this sonic journey with her delicate voice, subtle percussion, and lyrics that touch the soul.
The natural and organic way the dialogue between the musicians flows is a testament to their curiosity about the unfamiliar and their mastery of their craft.
The songs feel like a cycle of verses that linger long within. In doing so, the well-rehearsed trio succeeds in blending the subtle, delicate elements of the compositions with a passion for rhythm and drive. The clearly arranged pieces allow these two poles to vibrate in a powerful yet delicate balance.
Nils Kercher’s albums have been met with great acclaim internationally in the global fusion and singer-songwriter music scenes. With “Ancient Intimations,” he reached the World Music Charts Europe. The BBC and renowned music magazines such as Songlines, fRoots, and R2 have compared his pieces to notable productions from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds—by artists such as Rokia Traoré, Steve Reich, and Peter Gabriel. And that aptly describes his music: it glides from one atmosphere to another and across eras and continents, weaving an organic—and uniquely his own—story with an unmistakable touch.
The lineup:
- Nils Kercher (Germany) kora (21-string West African bridge harp), vocals, percussion, guitar
- Oumar Barou Kouyate (Mali) ngoni (Malian lute), acoustic guitar, talking drum
- Kira Kaipainen (FIN) percussion, vocals, balafon
Additional information
Dates
October 2026
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