"I want my music to be alive and energetic, full of hope and love, music that I can share with the public and through which the public and I can share our joy."

This is the creative view of the African musician, Aly Keïta.

Keïta is a genius when it comes to the balafon, the African version of a xylophone made from wood. In Southern Africa it is better known as the marimba.

Aly Keïta hails from Mali, but grew up in Cote d'Ivoire.

Brought up in a family of artists, he has always been surrounded by traditional instruments like the djembe and the kora, but his favourite instrument remains the balafon. Wherever he performs, this passionate artist captivates his audiences with the woody notes of the typical West African instrument.

Keïta recently published his first solo album "Akwaba Inisene", which catapulted immediately to the Top 20 European World Music Charts. "Akwaba Inisene" means "Welcome to Africa" and the album pays tribute to both his home countries.

Windhoek audiences will have the opportunity to experience Keïta's mastery for a once off performance at the FNCC as part of the annual /Ae//Gams Festival taking place next week.

Keïta will perform next Friday at the FNCC and on Saturday, September 11 in Swakopmund at the Desert Tavern on Saturday.