Welcome to Bamako” – Official Music Video
Welcome to Bamako is a musical tour through the vibrant capital city of Mali. Sung primarily in Bambara (with a short English refrain), the song offers a lyrical snapshot of Bamako’s history—from its earliest settlers to the present day—while celebrating the beauty, warmth, and hospitality of its people.
The song was co-written and arranged by Papa Zani Diabaté and Lindsey Schust, blending traditional Malian musical roots with a contemporary, cross-cultural sound.
Lindsey Schust (vocals in Bambara and English) is a singer-songwriter, percussionist, and cross-cultural music advocate. She began studying African drumming as a child, when her parents built large ashiko drums for the legendary Babatunde Olatunji, who later became her mentor and godfather. Lindsey grew up immersed in African music, surrounded by musicians who performed in rural New Hampshire. Traditional and popular African music continues to inspire her songwriting across genres—from salsa to country.
Papa Zani Diabaté (guitar and djembe) comes from a distinguished djeli (griot) lineage. He is the only son of the late Zani Diabaté of the Super Djata Band. Papa Zani’s playing carries his father’s signature pentatonic style, earning Zani Diabaté the nickname “the Jimi Hendrix of Mali.”
Guest vocalist Alou Sangaré (Bambara vocals) also comes from a strong musical lineage—his father was a lead singer of the Super Djata Band.