Emerging Artist Ginton Joins Forces with African GRAMMY Icons Richard Bona and Salif Keita on a Modern Rework of Their 2003’s Single “Kalabancoro” – Out Now via Decca Music / Universal Music
Dutch DJ, producer, and guitarist Ginton is carving out a global name as a genre-blending innovator, known for fusing intricate guitar work with widely appealing electronic beats. Trained in jazz guitar at Rotterdam’s prestigious Conservatorium and inspired by legends like Santana and Hendrix, Ginton’s distinctive sonic palette first broke into the mainstream with his co-production on Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind standout “Tie That Binds.” Since then, he’s worked with artists like Lojay, Rico Nasty, Ape Drums, and contributed to Gordo’s DIAMANTE album with “Candid Zone” featuring Leon Bridges, which hit #3 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
Ginton’s signature blend of acoustic and electronic textures continued to resonate globally with his viral hit “JEJEREJE” alongside Stonebwoy—earning over 300 million TikTok views and topping Shazam’s global chart. To support his vision, he founded his own label, Woody Trees, a hub for cross-cultural, genre-fluid collaborations with acts like MoBlack, Francis Mercier, Tekno, and Mr. Eazi. With a growing discography that connects global audiences, Ginton is proving that music, when done right, is a universal language that transcends borders.
“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
Amsterdam-based DJ, producer, and guitarist Ginton continues to evolve his global sound by blending his signature guitar style with Afro house influences. In a landmark collaboration, he joins forces with musical legends Richard Bona and Salif Keita to reimagine their 2003 classic “Kalabancoro.” The original, recorded in the Bamako suburb of Mali during a time of conflict, carries deep emotional and cultural weight—something Ginton honors with care. While preserving the song’s timeless vocals, he refreshes its energy with a quicker tempo, vibrant grooves, Afro-Latin guitar inflections, and a rich, modernized production.
This rework marks another milestone in Ginton’s career as a cross-genre innovator, following standout collaborations with global heavyweights like Drake, Gordo, MoBlack, and Francis Mercier under his own label, Woody Trees. With “Kalabancoro,” he bridges generations and geographies, proving that cultural respect, musical heritage, and cutting-edge creativity can coexist within a single track.
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
Make sure you check out “Kalabancoro” on YouTube below and over on Spotify!
Need more Ginton / Richard Bona / Salif Keita / Decca Records / Universal Music? Follow on socials!
Ginton: Instagram | Website | Spotify
Richard Bona: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Salif Keita: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Decca Records: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Universal Music: Facebook | Instagram | Website
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