Early Show! Cheick Hamala Diabaté | Dunia & Aram

Double bill!

DC’s resident griot, Cheick Hamala Diabaté is The Real Deal: a storyteller, poet, historian, and – dare we say – rock ‘n’ roll star straight from Mali. With the griot tradition firmly nestled in his family tree – his cousin is kora virtuoso Toumani Diabate; and his uncle is Djelimady Tounkara, legendary guitarist for the Super Rail Band – his music evokes wisdom from the elders while maintaining an infectious beat, ideal for dancing.

Dunia & Aram’s musical partnership spans decades and genres, from Dunia’s seminal ska punk band Agent 99, to their reggae soul project Dubistry and pioneering neo-soul group Brave New Girl. The duo has collaborated with Grammy winners and luminaries of all backgrounds. Their current project is indie ska and soul with elements of jazz, punk, and reggae.

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