The idea for Mali Latino is the brainchild of kora player Madou Sidiki Diabaté and pianist Alex Wilson. In 2004, while on the road with Kandia Kouyate, Madou and Alex decided to record a track together. Four years later Alex was offered a Composer Residency at the prestigious Aldeburgh Music. When Alex visited Mali he met Ahmed Fofana. An album recording followed, featuring trumpet, trombone, Latin percussion, balafon, kora, piano, bass and Malian vocal, nine musicians, who won a Songlines "Top of the World" award.