DESCRIPTION:
His stage name is taken from a novel by one of Mali's most noted authors - Amadou Hampaté Bâ -- in order to pay homage to all African cultures.

Amkoullel was young when he discovered rap and in 1993 he organized his first rap concert before expanding his collaborations and creating the group Kouma Guerya -- "guerilla of words". His first album, Infaculté, was released in 2002 and was loaded with texts against ignorance. In 2003, his second album, Surafin, meaning 'bribe', was released. But it was Waati Sera I (It's Time !), self-produced under the label Woklo Barka Prod in 2007 that proved to be a militant opus against Africans' disdainful self-image. Amkoullel creates musical collages from traditional African instruments, jazz and rock, arousing the attention of even the most refined audience.

Amkoullel has performed with icons such as Cheikh Tidiane Seck and appeared twice at the Nice Jazz Festival alongside Manu Dibango, Keziah Jones, Rokia Traoré and has presented alongside Alpha Blondy, Lobi Traoré and Tiken Jah Fakoly.

NE KA MALI !! New album !

NE KA MALI !! is not only an invitation to discover Africa through the eyes of Amkoullel, but also a call into question the notions of 'the other'. Rapping and flowing in french and bambara, Amkoullel touches on vital social issues such as education and African unity. Accompanied by Didier Awadi, one of African Hip-hop's fathers, and an illustrious compatriot Xuman, Amkoullel presents other regional performers such as The Tata Pound, Lassy King Massassy, Fanga Fing, Master Sumy ; RIM and CANDIIE.


Hip Hop without boarders

Amkoullel founded the first Hip Hop school, the Farafina Club, and the Mali Hip Hop Association, AHM, which brings together artists, DJs, graffiti artists, and dancers. Amkoullel also is the host of Case Sanga 2, a heavily viewed Malian variety show, like America's "American Idol", which brings forth new talent and is presently gaining in popularity in francophone Africa.

Just this past year, in 2009, Amkoullel was honoured at the Mali Hip-Hop Awards three times, booked to headline at the Waga Hip Hop festival, and appearing on compilations by OIF and Afrolution.

Crew's membres Batterie : Christophe Pérotin, Taama & N'gonin : Yacouba Cissoko dit Yacoustar Cissoko, Dance : Gafou kiss et Papi K. Music (NE KA MALI !!) : Kronics Music de Papi Kanté, Christophe Pérotin, Amkoullel, Arrangements : Amkoullel, Christophe Pérotin

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/amkoullel#ixzz0zdXOiUko