Career
As the leader of the jazz-ethnic band Mamar Kassey, he is one of the best-known Nigerien musicians outside Niger. Born in 1966 in a small sahel town some 125 miles from Niamey, Moumouni herded cattle with his family until his father died when he was 10. Mastering the traditional flute, he joined the Ballet National of Niger and then formed Mamar Kassey, an eight man group featuring Moumouni and guitarist Abdallah Alhassane.
Together they have toured West Africa, Europe, and the United States, and have become the most popular musical group in Niger.
