Percussionist Papa Kouyaté worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Fela Kuti and Mory Kante, Abdoulaye Diabaté, Bembeya Jazz National, Kouyate Koumba, and Nahawa Doumbia among others.



Papa Kouyaté played as soloist in Miriam Makeba's band for over thirty years and is the widower of Miriam's daughter Bongi.