When music becomes medicine, when rhythm meets revolution, and when tradition is infused with bold innovation — you’ll often find N’Faly Kouyaté at the heart of it. And now, with his upcoming album Finishing, due out 12th September 2025, Kouyaté reaffirms his place as one of the most visionary voices in global music today.
More than just an album, Finishing is a spiritual call to action — an artistic manifesto shaped by the soul of a griot and the conscience of a world citizen. Conceived during nine reflective months along the banks of the Bafing River in Guinea, this album is both a deeply personal reflection and a universal cry for justice, compassion, and balance.
In N’Faly’s own words:
“‘Finishing’ is my musical answer to a world searching for meaning… It is the echo of my ancestors carried by today’s rhythms, a call to reflection and action. I wanted every note to be a question, every chorus a step towards a fairer, more conscious future.“
It’s hard not to be moved by the scope and clarity of vision in this project. A five-language dialogue — Mandingue, Soussou, Pular, French, and English — the album dares to imagine a world where war, lies, theft, and violence simply… stopped. But this isn’t utopian escapism. It’s Kouyaté at his most courageous — inviting us to reflect, to reimagine, and most importantly, to move forward.
Each track on Finishing pulses with urgency and purpose. “Free Water,” a collaboration with reggae luminary Tiken Jah Fakoly, is a passionate plea for water protection, while “Khili Kanè” condemns the corrosive effects of slander. “Mandela” stands as a reverent salute to the late statesman and peacemaker, while “Kolabana,” featuring Senegalese hip-hop icon Didier Awadi, takes aim at global indifference in the face of crisis.
Elsewhere, songs like “Mökhöya,” “Halala,” and “Kawa” reflect on the quiet erosion of human values — mutual aid, dignity, and humility — reminding us that these virtues are not nostalgic relics, but essential foundations for a livable future.
With Finishing, N’Faly Kouyaté has crafted not just an album but a beacon. A reminder that art can interrogate power, rekindle ancestral wisdom, and build bridges between continents and cultures. His trademark “Afrotronix” sound — a daring fusion of AfroBeat, AfroTrap, AfroPop, RnB, Jazz, and traditional Mandingue instrumentation — shines brighter than ever here, grounding listeners in the groove while lifting them into higher consciousness.
This landmark release follows the success of his 2024 UK tour for the Ré-Génération EP, and in true griot fashion, Kouyaté returns this autumn to share the stage with his ever-evolving collective of musicians. The upcoming November UK tour, stretching from York to London, promises to bring Finishing to life with the same power, presence, and depth that have defined his career.
Tour Dates:
12 Nov – National Centre for Early Music, York
14 Nov – St Endellion Church, Port Issac
15 Nov – Mount Pleasant EcoPark, Porthtowan
16 Nov – The Sub Rooms, Stroud
17 Nov – Exeter Phoenix
18 Nov – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
19 Nov – The International, Leicester
21 Nov – St Margaret’s Church, Rainham
22 Nov – Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham
23 Nov – PizzaExpress Live Holborn, London
Hailing from the illustrious Konkoba Kabinet Kouyaté lineage, N’Faly is a master of the kora and balafon, a genre-defying composer, and a cultural custodian with a mission. His journey from Guinea to the Royal Conservatory of Belgium, to global stages with the Grammy-nominated Afro Celt Sound System, speaks to his unique ability to weave past and future into the sound of now.
With collaborators ranging from Peter Gabriel and Sinead O’Connor to Tayc and Robert Plant, Kouyaté is as comfortable in ancient traditions as he is in the modern sonic frontier. His role in William Kentridge’s acclaimed The Head and The Load only further cemented his reputation as a multi-disciplinary artist with a global conscience.
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Stevie Connor, a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, is renowned for his versatility across various domains within the industry. Initially destined for football, Stevie’s heart found its true calling in music. His multifaceted journey has seen him excel as a musician, composer, recording artist, journalist, and internet radio pioneer.
In 2012, Stevie laid the foundation for Blues and Roots Radio, an online platform that quickly became a global stage for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and Celtic music. His visionary leadership propelled the platform to international acclaim. Not content with just one venture, Stevie expanded his influence in 2020 by founding The Sound Cafe Magazine, a multilingual platform dedicated to artist interviews, album reviews, and music news.
Stevie’s impact extends beyond these platforms. His discerning ear and industry acumen have presented opportunities to be selected as a juror for national awards such as the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Maple Blues Awards. Through his tireless efforts, he has earned a solid reputation within the music community, garnering respect from peers and artists alike.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, Stevie remains deeply connected to his roots, both musically and geographically. He continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world, ensuring his influence resonates far beyond any single platform. Stevie’s enduring passion and commitment to music make him a true luminary in the industry.
Stevie is a verified journalist on the global PR platform, Muck Rack.
Source: The Soundcafé
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