FESTIVAL LAUNCH: A grammy-nominated band from Mali will perform at the launch of a Whitby music festival.

Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba’s latest album has won numerous accolades and is known for the use of the ngoni, an African lute.

The performance is on Friday, March 14 at 8pm at Whitby Pavilion Theatre.

Tickets costs £16 or £14 for concessions, available on 01947-603475.

This will be the official launch concert for Musicport 2014 which takes place October 17 to 19.