GASPER NALI
Just when you thought you had pretty much seen all the shapes, sizes and colors of a guitar, Gasper Nali surprises you with his own DIY version. This sympathetic Malian built himself a three-meter-long, one-string bass guitar that he plays with a drum stick and an empty beer bottle. Gasper himself calls this new instrument a 'Babatoni'. If you're feeling down, just surf to the video of his song 'A Bale Ndikuwuzeni' and a smile is guaranteed. While you're on YouTube, be sure to look for his collaboration with Joss Stone. Also someone who has fallen for the charm of this African. Gasper makes a surprising mix of afrobeat, punk, pop and soul. We hear New Order, Arcade Fire, Fela Kuti and a whole bunch of references we can't quite place. Which is exactly what makes the music of this one man band so good. The man has the gift of making the audience go wild. You have already been warned.