Malian-born, Oslo-based percussionist and cultural ambassador Sidiki Camara is preparing to release Ankaben, his most ambitious musical project to date. The album brings together an exceptional ensemble of Norwegian jazz, folk and contemporary musicians, creating a unique meeting point between West African traditions and contemporary European music.
The title Ankaben translates to “Humanity”, reflecting the central message behind the project: that music can connect people across cultures, genres and borders.
A Lifetime Connected Through Music
Camara began his musical journey in Mali at just 10 or 11 years old before building an international career that took him from Bamako to Brussels and eventually Oslo, where he has been based since 2006.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of the most respected names in international music, including legendary Malian musician Boubacar Traoré and acclaimed guitarist Bill Frisell. His work with Frisell included international touring and a contribution to the Grammy-winning album Intercontinentals.
His collaborations have continued to cross musical and cultural boundaries, with artists including Ali Farka Touré, Mamady Keita, Karpe and Esperanza Spalding.
An International Ensemble
For Ankaben, Camara has assembled an impressive Norwegian ensemble featuring Bendik Hofseth on saxophone, Unni Løvlid and Sarah Camille on vocals, Erik Sollid on fiddle, Jacob Young and Eirik Askerøi on guitar, and Audun Erlien on bass.
The album developed from the acclaimed Sidiki Camara // A Life in Music performance, which debuted at Oslo World in 2024. The ensemble returned to the studio in June 2026 to record the album at Oslo’s legendary Rainbow Studios.
Music as a Message of Humanity
At the heart of Ankaben is Camara’s belief that music can provide an alternative to division and conflict.
The project brings together different genres, cultures and musical traditions through collaboration, mutual respect and spontaneous creation. Camara has described humanity as the central message he wants audiences to take from the album — a vision of people connecting through music, togetherness and joy rather than division and war.
The project follows a series of significant achievements in Camara’s career, including his 2023 Norwegian Grammy and the “Attestation De Reconnaissance” award presented by the Malian government in January 2026 in recognition of his contribution to Malian culture.
Looking Towards a Global Audience
With the album scheduled for release on 4 September 2026 and a launch concert planned for 18 October at Cosmopolite Scene in Oslo, Ankaben marks an exciting new chapter in Sidiki Camara’s international career.
Alongside upcoming performances in Norway, Camara hopes to take the Ankaben group on a world tour, carrying its message of humanity and the universal language of music to audiences around the world.
