Toumani Diabaté is a virtuoso kora player and composer hailing from Mali, renowned for his mastery of the instrument—a 21-string lute-bridge-harp native to West Africa. Born on August 10, 1965, into a long line of griots, which is a class of travelling poets, musicians, and storytellers who maintain a tradition of oral history in parts of West Africa, Diabaté is a guardian of the ancient musical traditions and has been instrumental in introducing the kora to audiences worldwide. His lineage is known to have played the kora since at least the 13th century; his father, Sidiki Diabaté, was also a distinguished kora player.

Throughout his career, Toumani Diabaté has been both a keeper of tradition and an innovator. His collaborations span across various genres and artists, from the traditional music of Mali to cross-cultural works with flamenco groups, jazz artists, and contemporary rock musicians. His discography, with projects like "Kôrôlén" and "Haïnamady Town," showcases his skill in blending the rich heritage of Malian music with global influences. As a solo artist and collaborator, he has received critical acclaim, including two Grammy Awards, establishing himself as one of the most important figures in African music. His recent works like "The Sky Is the Same Colour Everywhere" continue to affirm his status as a musical ambassador and a living repository of African culture, connecting the past, present, and future through the strings of his kora.

Genres

Afropop

Desert Blues

Griot

Kora

Malian Blues

Mande Pop

World

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Latest Release

The Sky Is the Same Colour Everywhere

Kayhan Kalhor•

Toumani Diabaté

Album - 9 Tracks - Released May 5, 2023