07/22/2024
Very sorry to hear of this great talent's passing. Much condolences to family and friends
BMG and World Circuit Records are deeply saddened by the news of master kora player Toumani Diabate's passing. Born in Mali in 1965, Diabaté came from a griot family with a long tradition of revered kora players, including his father, younger brother, and cousin. Since releasing his solo debut ‘Kaira’ at age 21, Diabaté’s name has become as synonymous with his instrument as Ravi Shankar with the sitar or Yehudi Menuhin with the violin.
Under the collective name Songhai, Diabaté recorded two albums with the flamenco group Ketama, both of which received recognition as landmarks in global fusion. Similarly, 1999's ‘Kulanjan,’ recorded with American bluesman Taj Mahal, is also highly regarded and was cited as a favorite by Barack Obama. Other notable collaborators included Damon Albarn, Björk, and the Cuban stars of the Buena Vista Social Club, with whom he recorded the Grammy-nominated 2010 album ‘AfroCubism.’ Diabaté also recorded two acclaimed collections of kora and guitar duets with the late, great Ali Farka Touré, the first of which, 2005’s ‘In The Heart Of The Moon’, won a Grammy for Best Traditional World Album.
His unparalleled virtuosity, boundless creativity, and profound influence on African music have left an indelible mark on the world.
