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Trending in Djeli Moussa Diawara’s World
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Quick Facts
Born
1962
1962
From
Guinea
Guinea
Journey
Djeli Moussa Diawara, born on February 1, 1962, in Kankan, Guinea, is a distinguished kora master whose contributions have indelibly shaped the landscape of modern West African music. Raised in a renowned griot family, his father was a balafon player and his mother a revered singer. Diawara’s musical journey is deeply interwoven with his heritage, yet he is lauded for his innovative spirit, notably crafting a 32-string kora, a significant departure from the traditional 21-stringed instrument. This bold modification allowed Diawara to explore uncharted melodic and harmonic territories, capturing global attention.
His debut album, 'Yasimika' (1983), marked a revolutionary moment in African music, seamlessly blending Manding sounds with eclectic influences from jazz, flamenco, blues, and salsa. This album, celebrated for its enduring lyrical beauty and virtuosic performances, set the tone for his career. Djeli's discography includes acclaimed works like 'Soubindoor' and 'Flamenkora,' which exemplify his continuous evolution. His collaboration with American guitarist Bob Brozman on 'Ocean Blues – From Africa to Hawaii' underscores his dedication to cross-cultural dialogue.
A founding member of the Kora Jazz Trio, Diawara expertly melds traditional African sounds with sophisticated jazz improvisations. Whether through solo performances or international collaborations, Djeli Moussa Diawara's artistry stands as a beacon of innovation, reflecting the transformative power of the kora in connecting diverse musical traditions.