Ngoni ba is the brainchild of the virtuosic Malian musician Bassekou Kouyaté, an ensemble that has played a pivotal role in introducing the multifaceted tones of the ngoni—a traditional West African lute—to the global stage. Bassekou Kouyaté, who hails from Segu in Mali, is often credited with revolutionizing the way the ngoni is played, amplifying its sound and bringing it into contemporary music landscapes. Since their formation, Ngoni ba has become synonymous with the modern iteration of the griot tradition, a historical practice of storytelling and music that is an integral component of West African culture.

Their discography, including impactful albums like "Segu Blue" (2007), which marked their international debut, and "I Speak Fula" (2009), has solidified their reputation as torchbearers of Malian music. Over time, they have continued to expand their musical horizons with releases like "Jama Ko" (2013), emphasizing unity and peace amid political turmoil in Mali, and "Miri" (2019), an album that reflects on themes of love, friendship, and family. The ensemble's work consistently showcases the ngoni's versatility, and through collaborations with various artists, they integrate elements of blues, rock, and other musical styles, lending a contemporary edge to their deeply rooted traditional sound.