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Tom Diakité is a classical music artist who has made a name for himself in the world of music. Born on January 1, 1985, in Bamako, Mali, Tom was raised in a family of musicians. His father was a renowned guitarist, and his mother was a singer. Tom grew up listening to traditional Malian music and was fascinated by the sounds of the kora, a West African harp. At the age of six, Tom began playing the kora under the guidance of his father. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began performing at local events. Tom's father recognized his son's potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Tom's musical education continued when he was accepted into the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. There, he studied music theory, composition, and performance. He also learned to play other instruments, including the guitar and the piano. After completing his studies, Tom began performing professionally. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented musician and was invited to perform at festivals and concerts throughout Mali. In 2005, he was invited to perform at the Festival on the Niger, one of the largest music festivals in West Africa. His performance was well-received, and he was invited back to perform at the festival the following year. In 2007, Tom was awarded a scholarship to study at the Conservatoire de Paris. He moved to France and began studying under the guidance of renowned kora player Toumani Diabaté. Tom's time at the conservatory was a turning point in his career. He was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and began incorporating elements of classical music into his performances. After completing his studies, Tom began performing throughout Europe. He quickly gained a following and was invited to perform at some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2012, Tom released his debut album, "Kora Revolution." The album was a critical and commercial success and showcased Tom's unique blend of traditional Malian music and classical music. The album was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. Tom's success continued in 2014 when he was invited to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway. He performed alongside other renowned musicians, including Mary J. Blige and Steven Tyler. In 2016, Tom released his second album, "Kora Symphony." The album was a departure from his debut album and featured a full orchestra. The album was well-received and showcased Tom's versatility as a musician. Tom's success has not gone unnoticed, and he has received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 2013, he was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government for his contributions to the arts. In 2017, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the President of Mali for his contributions to Malian culture. Today, Tom continues to perform and record music. He has become a cultural ambassador for Mali and is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Malian music. His unique blend of traditional and classical music has made him one of the most exciting and innovative musicians of his generation.

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