Habib Koité

Opening Act: Eki Shola

Raven Performing Arts Theater

Thursday, February 21st, 2019

Doors: 7pm, Opener 7:30-8:15pm,Main Act: 8:30-10pm

ALL AGES

Reserved Seating & General Admission Floor

Habib Koité exemplifies responsibility and shared experience associated with the historical, cultural, and unifying properties of Malian music. One of Africa’s most recognized musicians, Habib Koité is a modern troubadour with extraordinary appeal because Koité‘s musicianship, wit and wisdom translate across cultures. Hailing from the musically prolific West African nation of Mali, the guitarist and composer has been named the biggest pop star of the region by Rolling Stone. Over the past decade, Koité’s artistry and magnetic personality have made him an international star, delighting audiences the world over, and placing him firmly among the leading figures in contemporary world music.

Eki Shola:

Eki Shola (Eh-key sounds like Becky without the B, Show-lah): I am a gift from God. Seriously, that is the meaning of Eki. Truthfully, I was a little deflated when 20+ years later I traveled to Japan and kept seeing “Eki” at every train stop. Eki means station in Japanese.

Born in London and given a Nigerian name by Jamaican parents, we later emigrated to New York in the late 1980s. I feel that Jamaica is my cultural roots; London the place where I remember my childhood memories; and New York City the place that offered amazing gritty life adventures. For now, California is my current abode – a beautiful place with an abundance of glorious weather.

My main love is music and as a keyboardist and singer, I enjoy sharing my music with others. As a solo artist, I composed, produced and released my debut album, Final Beginning, on August 20, 2016. This year I will be releasing my Pieces trilogy album, with the first album, Possible, to be released on 2/22/19.