25 April 2021

Realising a dream

 Mali's star kora-player Toumani Diabaté does not need any introduction. Much acclaimed and respected, faithful to tradition and open to collaborations with a variety of musicians and vocalists.

Toumani wanted to work with the London Symphony Orchestra since a long time. In 2008, 6 tracks were recorded at the Barbican Centre in London, with Kassemady Diabaté's voice (he passed away in 2018), and Lassana Diabaté on balafon. These recordings are now being released on 23 April 2021.

Other Malian musicians were:

Fanta Mady Kouyaté: acoustic and electric guitar

Ganda Tounkara: Ngoni

Fodé Kouyaté: Calabash & Tama



The CD sticker says it all:

'A groundbreaking collaboration from the Grammy-winning Malian Kora virtuoso & the world-famous Orchestra'

and further:

'An achingly beautiful and fresh sound that will appeal to admirers of African, traditional & new classical, and ambient music'