Tickets £12.00 – £16.00 Cobalt Studios

Samba Touré’s music is characterized by hypnotic guitar grooves radiating with the intensity of the desert sun. It transcends borders, creating an authentic and groundbreaking sonic landscape—a journey of emotional depth and rhythmic brilliance where tradition meets innovation, resonating with the spirit of Northern Mali.

A renowned Malian guitar legend, Samba Touré is celebrated for his distinctive style that not only mirrors but also elevates the enduring legacy of the legendary Ali Farka Touré, with whom he toured worldwide. The genesis of their association dates back to the 90s, when Ali Farka Touré discovered the young singer while he was playing with Farafina Lolo, Samba’s initial group, which gained immense popularity in Mali.

Impressed by Samba’s talent, Ali Farka Touré gifted him a guitar, encouraging a shift towards more traditional music. This mentorship culminated in the production of Samba’s debut album, Fondo (The Way), a 100% traditional Songhoy album.

Samba’s most recent album, Baarakelaw (The Workers), blends traditional music, blues-rock, psychedelic elements, ballads, and love songs. The album explores the theme of small trades in Bamako, paying tribute to water sellers, tailors, and housekeepers—crucial yet often overlooked contributors to social cohesion in Mali. It includes a heartfelt tribute to Samba’s late wife, who passed away during his 2023 European tour. In Baarakelaw, Samba Touré emerges again as an anti-griot, singing not for illustrious ancestors or contemporary power figures but for the simple people who constitute his daily landscape. He dedicates these songs of homage, dignity, and respect, infused with compassion and good-natured humour, to those too often forgotten or despised. While inspired by Malian society, the album’s message holds universal significance.

Getting Here

On-street parking spaces are available to the front of the building and on surrounding streets, free after 6.30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

By public transport:

The nearest Metro station is Manors (Yellow line), around 10 min walk away.

The closest bus stops are:

• Warwick Street-Stadium (services 1, 32, 32A), 4 min walk away

• New Bridge Street-Blackfriars (services 12, 22, 39, 40, 301), 5 min walk away

• New Bridge Street-St Dominics (services 22, 62, 63, 91, 301), 5 min walk away

Where possible we encourage people to walk or cycle to the venue.

Accessibility

We are here to welcome and care for everybody who enters this space.

If there is anything you need, please let us know on arrival.

There is step-free level access from the street and throughout the venue, with exception of three shallow steps up to the stage and steps up to the mezzanine.

Toilet facilities are gender-neutral, three cubicles in one room and two solo cubicles that exit directly into the corridor. There is one accessible toilet available. There is one toilet with changing facilities.

Many events are seated. When the main room is not seated, there is peripheral seating and you may request a chair from any member of staff.

Club nights and some livelier gigs will use sterile, safe, non-toxic, non-irritating water-based haze and we may use intermittent lazers and strobe lighting.

For detailed access information and to request a PA ticket, please see our Accessibility page.

Food

Our neighbours at Ernest Cafe offer you a 10% discount on food with your ticket for this event. (We would recommend booking in advance). Occasionally there is food available on Friday nights once we have fed the artists, feel free to enquire at the bar.

Refunds

Cobalt is a tiny team, due to the administration time required and the fact that we can’t always sell on last minute ticket returns we are unable to offer refunds or transfers unless it is an extreme circumstance.

Timings

Doors open at 7pm, music starts from around 7.30pm, curfew is 10pm.

Age Restrictions
14+ can be admitted with an adult. For quieter gigs sleeping babes in arms are welcome. Any other ages please check with us.

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Surviving
An entry level ticket for no and low waged.
£ 12.00
220 available
Driving
For most average incomes.
£ 14.00
220 available
Thriving
A ticket for those with a little more financial security who want to support Cobalt.
£ 16.00
220 available
Quantity: 0
Total: £ 0.00

You may also like...