"Pratagraf" is a Batagraf collaboration with Espen Beranek Holm og Are Kalvø. A fusion of Batagrafs language-related rythms and surrealist political satire, this program is a favourite of a big audience in Norway.

“Surprised Body “ is choreographer Francesco Scavettas new  work with Batagraf, premiering in Salzburg and Buenos Aires autumn 2010.

Batagraf is a percussion forum, or a constellation of players that research the outer parameters of rythmic music. Inspired by  techniques and traditions from west-african Wolof music, the group explores new polyphonic rythmic textures. The relation between language and rythm is constantly being investigated in different collaborations, as with Sidsel Endresen , or Jaap Blonk.

Batagraf is centered around the collaboration between Helge Norbakken and Jon Balke . Norbakken has developed his very personal approach to percussionism, inspired by west-african traditions, but developed in a brilliant new direction in collaborations with artists like Mari Boine, Jon Hassell, Kari Bremnes etc. Jon Balke, pianist, composer and conductor, has been a devoted  percussion player since the start of Eolén , an afrofusion group from early 80´s.

See CALENDAR page for upcoming Batagraf concerts.

Batagraf with Baboucar Camara friday 22 january at rally for Haiti victims in Oslo . Collaboration with MINUS art solution who constructed the ice monument behind the group