The Fula Flute Ensemble was founded in New York City in 1999 by Sylvain Leroux, Bailo Bah, Famoro Dioubate and Keba Cissoko.

The ensemble's music integrates the tambin, traditional Fulani flute of the Fouta Djalon highlands of Guinea. This is a little-known instrument outside West Africa. There, it is revered for the profound effect it has on listeners, often bringing them to tears with haunting sounds and melodies that reach deep inside the soul ... It can be encountered as one travels through the back country... emanating from the forest, the fields, the mountains as if the song of a spirit.

The lead soloist of the Fula Flute Ensemble is Fulani flutist Bailo Bah, a leading master of the instrument.

In June of 2002, the Ensemble released a self-titled CD on Blue Monster Records. A unique contribution to the world's musical landscape, the album has the hallmark of a classic.

2003 was marked by sadness with the passing of founding member Keba Bobo Cissoko; a wonderful griot from Guinea Bissau who had a connection with the traditional jaly life of old; and by recognition with a historic performance for the opening of Zankel Hall in 2003.

To fill the gap left by Keba's departure, Malian griots, Yacouba Sissoko (kora), and singer Abdoulaye Diabate joined the group.

In 2004 Fula Flute had the honor to collaborate with the legendary balafon master El Hadj Djeli Sory Kouyate with a performance at Zankel Hall and workshops at Dartmouth and Wesleyan Universities. El Hadj gave us his blessing as messengers bringing the ancient tradition of West Africa to the New World.

More recently, we have been developing new music; expanding on the previous offering, integrating the talents of all the members of this now consecrated group.