Artown Cultural Connections: Orchestra Gold

Artown Cultural Connections: Orchestra Gold

OG's vibrant sound is spearheaded by the dynamic Mariam Diakite, whose raw, hypnotic vocals deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics in the highly symbolic Bambara language. While paying homage to Malian musical traditions, this fierce new sound thrives with heavy swinging rhythms, a funky fresh brass section, and cosmic guitar licks. With last year's release of their third album, Medicine, this profoundly spiritual and dance-inducing ensemble continues their pursuit of spreading healing and community through the universal gift of music. 2023 was a break-through year for OG. OG's festival roster included Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Mill Valley Music Fest, Mucho Gusto Fest and more. On top of touring widely throughout the US, OG also toured Europe for the first time, spending two weeks hitting festivals in Switzerland and Sweden. Orchestra Gold's latest studio album Medicine is out now on vinyl, CD and all digital/streaming platforms. Orchestra's forthcoming album, Dakan, is slated for release later in 2024.“The new single ‘Keleya' by African psychedelic rock group Orchestra Gold hits you with a certain level of profundity, cosmic swirl, and Fela-like groove. Mariam Diakite delivers raw, mesmerizing vocals. Attacking saxophone charts, measured bass lines, and galvanic meter serve as the ideal foundation for expanding guitar lines that squall through. In a nutshell, it's dope.” —John-Paul Shiver, 48 HILLS