3 MA Ballaké Sissoko / Driss El Maloumi / Rajery) à Miami (Etats-Unis)

3MA is the meeting of three African string-instrument virtuosi; generous artists who share a reciprocal dialogue and a beautiful friendship. Malian kora magician Ballaké Sissoko; the Moroccan maestro of the oud Driss El Maloumi and the Malagasy valiha artist Rajery. Driven by the pleasure of an exceptional musical relationship, they have met regularly since, their joyful reunions also enriching their illustrious solo careers.

Centuries of musical tradition run through Ballaké Sissoko’s fingers. In his griot family, tricks and secrets for playing the kora (the 21-stringed harp-like instrument of West Africa) have been inherited over generations. One of his many collaborations includes the celebrated partnership with French cellist Vincent Segal, which brought him to Miami Beach several season ago.

Moroccan Berber musician Driss El Maloumi received a Western and Arabic classical music education. He plays oud, the exquisite Arabic lute-like instrument. His broad cultural background, artistry and vast curiosity led him to collaborate with various artists as diverse as jazz trumpet player Paolo Fresu and Indian slide guitarist Debashish Battacharya. He is been one of the pillars of the Hespèrion XXI Ensemble of the renowned viola da gamba player, Jordi Savall, who since 2014 has also incorporated 3MA in two of his creations. Whilst being director of the Agadir Conservatory of Music, Driss El Maloumi also pursues a successful solo career.

In 2017 Malagasy valiha player, Rajery, counts 37 years of playing valiha, 35 years of live performance and a 25-year-long international career. A path that did not began without difficulties. Facing amputation of his right hand as a young child, Rajery overcame his disability, achieved instrumental fluency, then virtuosity, with his tubular harp. The RFI’s World Music Award in 2002 settled his status of leading artist. His European tours are frequent while his home activities remain full and committed. Rajery founded a musical festival in Madagascar and gets involved in education, music therapy and reforestation.

• Un concert mis en ligne sur l'Agenda de Madagascar-musiques.net