Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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August 10, 1965 in Bamako, Mali

 

Toumani Diabaté is a world-renowned musician and composer from Mali, known for his mastery of the kora, a West African harp. Born on August 10, 1965, in Bamako, Mali, Toumani was born into a family of griots, or traditional musicians, and began playing the kora at a young age. Toumani's father, Sidiki Diabaté, was a legendary kora player and composer, and Toumani grew up surrounded by music. He began playing the kora at the age of five, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing with his father's group, the Ensemble Instrumental National du Mali. In the early 1980s, Toumani began to gain recognition as a solo artist, and he released his first album, Kaira, in 1988. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Toumani as one of the leading kora players of his generation. Over the years, Toumani has continued to push the boundaries of traditional West African music, collaborating with musicians from around the world and incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and other genres into his compositions. He has released numerous albums, including the Grammy-nominated In the Heart of the Moon, which he recorded with the late Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré. One of Toumani's most notable works is his 2005 album, Boulevard de l'Independance, which was inspired by the political turmoil in Mali at the time. The album features a mix of traditional Malian music and modern influences, and it has been praised for its powerful message and innovative sound. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Toumani has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of traditional West African music. He has worked with organizations like the Aga Khan Music Initiative and the World Music Institute to promote the music of Mali and other African countries, and he has mentored numerous young musicians over the years. Toumani's contributions to the world of music have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Polar Music Prize, and in 2012, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. Despite his many accomplishments, Toumani remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record music, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of West African music.

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