Amsterdam-based DJ, producer, and guitarist Ginton continues to push sonic boundaries, effortlessly blending his distinctive guitar riffs with the globally resonant rhythms of Afro house. As the next milestone in his evolving musical journey, the Dutch talent joins forces with two of his longtime idols – Richard Bona and Salif Keita – to reimagine their iconic 2003 release, “Kalabancoro,” for a new generation. Released amidst a backdrop of war and unrest, the original track is a reference to the suburb of Bamako in Mali, where it was also recorded and carried deep emotional weight, which Ginton approached with reverence. In this 2025 rework, he breathes fresh life into the song while honoring its narrative soul, while the powerful, timeless vocals remain untouched, forming the heart of the new version. Around them, Ginton weaves an updated musical tapestry: slightly quickened tempo, vibrant grooves, deep basslines, and his unmistakable guitar work that infuses the track with a subtle Afro-Latin flair. Having co-produced for global names like Drake, and Gordo, and launching his own label, Woody Trees, Ginton is carving out a path as a boundary-breaking artist. With this new release, he continues to champion music that bridges cultures, eras, and genres – proving that innovation, tradition and timeless messaging can coexist. The release of “Kalabancoro” sees Ginton riding the wave of his recent meaningful collaborations with the likes of MoBlack, Francis Mercier, Ape Drums, Maz, and more.

“I’ve looked up to Richard Bona for as long as I can remember. As a young, aspiring musician, his bass playing, musicality, and the emotion he pours into every note made a huge impact on me. So when I was invited by the label to remix a track from a selection of legendary African artists, and I saw Richard‘s name on the list – I didn’t have to think twice. It was an immediate “yes.” And when I saw that the track was ‘Kalabancoro,’ I got goosebumps. The original song, released in 1998, features the incredible Salif Keita – another icon whose voice carries so much depth and soul. ‘Kalabancoro‘ was written during a time of war and unrest, with the intention of giving a face and voice to the people who were suffering in silence. That message, that spirit, still feels incredibly relevant today. I wanted to honor that message and emotion while also bringing the track into the now. I didn’t want to “flip” it just for the sake of a remix. My goal was to breathe new energy into it without losing its essence. Obviously, I kept the vocals untouched as they’re absolutely timeless. The bones of the track came together in about an hour. That’s how right it felt. It just flowed. The absolute highlight of this whole journey was getting to meet Richard in person after his show in Amsterdam. We talked about music, staying inspired, touring life, and just the heart behind creating. Sitting across from someone who shaped so much of my musical path – and sharing this project with him – was surreal. It felt like a full-circle moment. A dream I didn’t even know was possible when I was starting out. This project means the world to me. It’s a tribute, a thank you, and a conversation with the voices that paved the way – while adding my own to the mix.”

– Ginton

Ginton

DJ/Producer and guitarist Ginton emerges as a sonic trailblazer, destined to weave his signature guitar riffs and widely appealing beats into the global tapestry of music. His journey began as a young prodigy, immersing himself in the intricate world of Jazz Guitar at the renowned Conservatorium in Rotterdam. Drawing inspiration from musical legends like Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and The Wailers, Ginton embarked on a distinctive course. He garnered attention by co-producing “Tie That Binds” for global superstar Drake. The song became a standout feature of the certified platinum and Billboard‘s #1 ‘Honestly, Nevermind‘ album. Continuing this success, Ginton produced songs for esteemed artists Lojay, Rico Nasty, and Ape Drums (Major Lazer). Ginton additionally contributed to Gordo‘s achievements by co-producing Candid Zone (feat. Leon Bridges), which features on the DIAMANTE album and peaked on Billboard‘s acclaimed Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart at #3. Fast forward, Ginton has crafted a blended signature that resonates with audiences far and wide. His collaboration with Stonebwoy – “JEJEREJE“, quickly became a viral sensation on TikTok, racking up over 300 million views and reaching the #1 spot on Shazam’s Global Worldwide Chart. To propel his artistic vision, he founded his label imprint, Woody Trees, a platform dedicated to exploring sounds that blur the lines between electronic and acoustic music. Since its inception, Woody Trees has become a driving force in Ginton‘s career, housing high-profile collaborations with industry leaders like MoBlack, Francis Mercier, Maz, and Antdot, as well as Afro-pop stars Tekno and Mr. Eazi. Ginton‘s ability to connect cultures through music highlights the power of sound as a truly universal language.

Richard Bona

Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician and one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers, and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift, he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona‘s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty, and issues. His purpose and the way he connects with his audience have turned him into a staple name in the world of jazz and Afro-pop music. Richard Bona has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along with the diverse notable collaborations, Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects. He is highly involved in developing better music business practices and ethics. Constantly touring around the world and exploring new musical directions, Richard continues to redefine his sound while still performing live. He’s currently working on new Afrobeats, Afropop, Latin, and Flamenco projects throughout Europe, the US, and Latin America.

Salif Keita

One of the African continent’s best-loved artists, Malian afro-pop singer/songwriter Salif Keita found initial success in the 1970s as a member of both the Rail Band and Les Ambassadeurs before moving to Paris and launching a high-profile solo career in the mid-’80s. Culturally rejected as a child for being an albino, Keita‘s talent and determination eventually led him to become known as the “Golden Voice of Africa.” Albums like 1987’s “Soro,” 1990’s “Amen” (for which he was nominated for the Grammy Award), and 2002’s “Moffou” (considered Keita‘s finest work to date for which he received another Grammy Award nomination) were critical and commercial successes that combined Western sounds of jazz, funk, and pop with West African traditions and saw Keita working with collaborators as diverse as Joe Zawinul, Carlos Santana, Toumani Diabaté, and Cesária Évora. Keita remained a creative force in the studio, returning with late-career highlights like 2010’s “La Différence” and 2018’s “Un Autre Blanc,” after which he announced his retirement from recording. Born to royal lineage, with ancestral roots going back to Soundjata Keita, the founder of the Malian Empire in 1240, Keita suffered a difficult childhood; he was ostracized by his community for his albinism and disowned by his father when he chose to pursue a career as a musician. Following his dreams, he moved to the capital city of Bamako in 1967, where he spent a period working as a street musician and playing in nightclubs with one of his brothers. Within two years, he was invited to join the Rail Band. A popular, government-sponsored group that played regularly at the Buffet Hotel de la Gare, the Rail Band featured influential Malian guitar player Kante Manfila. Keita‘s soulful singing soon brought the band to a much higher plateau. In 1973, Keita and several members of the Rail Band relocated to Abidjan, the capital of The Ivory Coast. Naming their new project Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux, the group continued to attract attention with their lively fusion of Cuban, Zairean, and Malian influences through the early ’80s.

Ginton‘s forthcoming dates:

Jun 20 – Levity – Bratislava, SK
Jun 21 – Magnifik Open Air – Antwerp, BE
Jul 05 – Down The Rabbit Hole – Ewijk, NL
Jul 06 – Warm – Barcelona, ES
Jul 19 – Rhythm Rise Invites – Malaga, ES
Jul 26 – Sunny Side Up – Den Burg, NL