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_TOURING ARTISTS 2026
- first overview - more to come -
In 2026 we launch one of the strongest programs in GRIOT’s history. Iconic artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrate 40 Years of Graceland. Long-awaited new albums are coming from Vieux Farka Touré and Bombino. The Congo Cowboys are recording with 4-time Grammy winner JB Arthur. And for all fans of Freshlyground: the band is finally reunited.
We also welcome a series of exceptional new voices to Griot: Kefaya & Elaha Soroor, Baba Yaga, Sena Dagadu, Cheikh Ibra Fam, The Rabbitts and Kimi Djabaté.
In the third section you can dicover: one of the strongest soul / funk / R&B touring line-ups in Europe: Iyeoka, Shirley Davis, Izo FitzRoy and J.P. Bimeni, all touring with new albums.
 | LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO South Africa Highlight: 5-time Grammy Award-winning Choir & Dance Ensemble Current: Celebrating 40 Years of Graceland with special guests On stage: 8–10 / Territory: Europe Bookings: summer & fall + December WATCH: Live Concert / You Make Me Happy |
 | VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ Mali Highlight: “The Hendrix of the Sahara” — global guitar icon Current: New album recorded with Roberto Fonseca (2026) On stage: 4 / Territory: Europe (spring, summer, fall) |
 | BOMBINO Niger Highlight: Grammy-nominated “Sultan of Shred” (NYT) Current: Brand new studio album & 2026 world tour On stage: 4 / Territory: Europe (spring, summer, fall) WATCH: Tazidert
(Official) / Ayo
Nigla (Acoustic) |
 | THE CONGO COWBOYS South Africa Highlight: Zulu folk meets country & bluegrass Current: New album & extended EU tour (2026) On stage: 4 / Territory: Europe (summer, fall) |
 | FRESHLYGROUND South Africa Highlight: One of South Africa’s most beloved bands — reunited Current: New album & tour 2026 On stage: 6 / Territory: Europe (summer & fall) WATCH: Teaser:
Jabula |
 | DUO RUUT Estonia Highlight: Minimalist folk innovators Current: New album Weather Report — EU tour 2026 On stage: 2 / Territory: Europe & Scandinavia (all year) |
 | MAHOTELLA QUEENS South Africa Highlight: The Queens of Mbaqanga — legendary harmony & dance tradition Current: Love & Peace Tour (2026) On stage: 7 / Territory: Europe (late July – August) WATCH: Recent live videos on request |
 | KEFAYA & ELAHA SOROOR Afghanistan / UK Highlight: Afghan folk, electronic rock, psychodelic jazz & global groove Current: New album (2026) On stage: 4–5 / Territory: Europe |
 | BABA YAGA International Highlight: Hypnotic worldbeat, balkan roots & electronic groove Current: Touring 2026 with new material On stage: 5 / Territory: Europe (all year) |
 | SENA DAGADU Ghana / Hungary Highlight: AfroSoul & electronic beats and Dub fusion Current: Touring with Sena DagaDub Trio (2026) On stage: 3 (+ optional kora/percussion) / Territory: Europe (all year) |
 | CHEIKH IBRA FAM Senegal Highlight: Rising Afropop voice, ex-Orchestra Baobab Current: New album on Cumbancha (early 2026) On stage: 5–6 / Territory: Europe & abroad (excl. USA/Canada) summer and fall WATCH: Sali
(Official) / Xam
Xam (Official) |
 | THE RABBITTS UK Highlight: Dream-folk, alternative, singer songwriter with luminous harmonies Current: New album & EU tour (2026) On stage: 4 / Territory: Europe (all year) |
 | KIMI DJABATÉ Guinea-Bissau / Portugal Highlight: Master of Mandingo roots & modern griot traditions Current: Dindin (Cumbancha) — ongoing EU touring On stage: 4–5 / Territory: Europe (spring, summer, fall) WATCH: Yensoro
(Official) / Alidonke
(Official) |
 | IYEOKA USA / Nigeria Highlight: Spoken-word poet & soul powerhouse Current: New album & international touring (2026) On stage: 5 / Territory: Europe (summer and fall) WATCH: Simply
Falling LISTEN: Bright
(Spotify) |
 | SHIRLEY DAVIS & THE SILVERBACKS Jamaica / Spain Highlight: One of Europe’s finest soul voices Current: New album (2026) — modern soul & funk On stage: 7 / Territory: Europe (summer & fall) WATCH: Keep
On Keepin' On / Stay
Firm |
 | IZO FITZROY UK Highlight: London powerhouse of gospel, funk & soul Current: New album & full band tour (2026) On stage: 7 / Territory: Europe (spring, summer, fall) |
 | J.P. BIMENI Burundi / UK Highlight: Soul singer with a golden voice Current: New album & full band tour (2026) On stage: 7 / Territory: Europe (spring, summer and fall) WATCH: Give
Me Hope / Four
Walls |
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