For yours truly, 'Akwaba Iniséné' was the first introduction to Aly Keita, but the album of this master of the balafon (the West African version of the xylophone or marimba) is a true revelation. The balafon might be used on most West African productions, the instrument rarely, if ever, gets the prominent place it's given on 'Akwaba Iniséné' ("welcome" in Baoulé and Malinke). In songs that range from jazzy ('Folie', 'Kènèya', 'Abidjan') over afrobeat ('Maloya') to traditional balafon ('Ziglibithy') Keita proves his absolute mastery. Enchanting album!