“Willi Ka Djö” is the lead single from Balabeatz, the new album by Kanazoé Orkestra, released on the 2nd of May. Formed in 2013 and led by Burkinabé balafon player and composer Seydou “Kanazoé” Diabaté, the group brings together musicians from Burkina Faso and France. Their sound—self-defined as balabeatz—merges Manding musical traditions with rock, coupé-décalé and electronic textures, grounded in rhythm and built for movement.

The single centres on the balafon, not as a backdrop but as the engine. Its patterns drive the arrangement forward, layered with bass, percussion and Rhodes. Vocals from BB Sans Os add weight without smoothing the edges. The energy stays raw and physical, focused on repetition, tension and release.

The band’s current line-up includes players like Mamadou Dembélé, Martin Étienne, Elvin Bironien and Laurent Planells, all contributing to a sound that’s shaped by collective input rather than studio polish. Kanazoé Orkestra has previously released albums like Miriya and Tolonso, and continues to build a catalogue that expands the reach of balafon-based music without reducing its depth.

“Willi Ka Djö” was recorded between Burkina Faso and France and stays close to the group’s approach: live, collaborative, and grounded in place. The track, along with the full album Balabeatz, is available now on all major streaming platforms