Masters of Malian Music: Cheick Hamala Diabate + Yacouba Sissoko

Washington DC’s resident griot, Cheick Hamala Diabate 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.

Yacouba Sissoko will appear alongside Cheick on the kora: a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa. Yacouba Sissoko’s performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.

No cover