Toumani Diabate
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About
Singer and kora player who has been one of the world's foremost performers of traditional Mali music since the late 80's. He has collaborated with internationally-acclaimed musicians like Bjork and performed at festivals like All Tomorrow's Parties and the Roskilde Festival.
Before Fame
He was born in the Mali capital of Bamako made his recording debut alongside his father on 1987's Ba Togoma.
Trivia
He won a Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album for his album with Ali Farka Toure, In the Heart of the Moon.
Family Life
His father, Sidiki Diabate Sr., created the first-ever kora album in 1970. His brother Mamadou Sidiki Diabate, son Sidiki Diabete Junior and cousin Sona Jobarteh are also well-known kora players.
Associated With
He collaborated with blues multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal on the album Kulanjan in 1999.
