“No problem for Mali now. I like democracy for Mali!” says Bassekou.

And the group knows how to give a performance democratically as well. Matching turquoise dashikis, but everyone has a chance to shine, as different as the shoes on their feet, as even the three backup ngonis (including an awesome ghetto-rigged bass ngoni to round out the band’s sound) got to shred, from Converse Chuck Taylors to sandals. Bassekou in snakeskin shoes atop his Cry Baby wah-wah pedal was definitely the big daddy though, as his solo ran for a good 10 minutes. A solo, on just three strings, for TEN MINUTES! But it wasn’t missing a single thing. The crowd was screaming.

“We’re a family band,” proclaims Bassekou during introductions, “My two sons, two brothers, my nephew and my wife.” That explains their fluid chemistry and huge smiles on stage; a dream come true from Mali to you.

When “Jama Ko” came on, Bassekou’s wife had everybody on the Avalon singing along. The band became an integral part of the Fuji Rock family, maybe even the heart, with ngoni pulsing its ancient, amplified blood through the veins of the crowd.

From the first song, the crowd was really into it, more than most shows at 12:30pm. Bassekou’s smile and presence, along with genki band mates dancing in step, doing a conga line, high jumping, electric slide, the whole nine. His sons’ hair is everywhere, clean dreads like a mop head with caori shells hidden here and there, makes for excellent head banging.

But it was the percussionist who had the best dance moves. He could high kick, side step and shuffle, all while keeping rhythm on the kabba coconut shaker.

The fact that this massive act was slotted for the small Gypsy Avalon solar stage made it such an epic experience. Where else can you get within arms reach of such a unique and talented international superstar act? And this wasn’t even their showcase!

Speaking of which, their main event tomorrow (Sunday) evening at 7pm at the Orange Court comes very extremely highly recommended.