The Grammy Award winning kora (21-string Malian harp) virtuoso and his son, a griot (a member of a West African musical hereditary caste), master kora player and hip hop star are part of a family line made up of 71 continuous generations of kora players.
Toumani wowed WOMADelaide audiences in 2008, performing with his Symmetric Orchestra, but this year will be joined by his eldest son Sidiki.
Toumani Diabate’s influences are sourced from many cultures including Indian classical music, Spanish flamenco, and radical free jazz. He has played with Bjork, Gorillaz/Blur frontman Damon Albarn, bluesman Taj Mahal, and guitar wizard Ali Farka Touré. Diabaté received a Grammy award for best traditional world music album in 2011 for his joint album with Ali Farka Toure’s. The duo’s first album together, also won a Grammy following its 2005 release. In 2008 Toumani was appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in for using his music to spread awareness on HIV and AIDS.
