Spellemann Award Winner Sidiki Camara Returns With New Album ‘Ankaben’

Malian-born and Oslo-based percussionist Sidiki Camara has announced his latest album, ‘Ankaben’, described as his most ambitious project to date. The release brings together an ensemble of Norwegian jazz, folk and contemporary musicians in what promises to be a significant cross-cultural collaboration.

The album’s title translates to “Humanity”, reflecting Camara’s deeply held belief in the power of music to connect people across cultures, genres and borders. ‘Ankaben’ follows his 2023 Norwegian Grammy (Spellemannprisen) win for ‘Return to the Traditions’ and continues his lifelong exploration of Malian musical traditions through collaboration and improvisation.

Camara began playing music in Mali at just 10 or 11 years old, eventually choosing music over formal education to pursue a professional career. His journey has taken him from Bamako to Brussels, where he lived from 1989 to 2006, and ultimately to Oslo, where he has been based since 2006. ‘Ankaben’ represents the latest chapter in a career dedicated to musical exploration and cultural exchange.