GRIOT TRADITIONS COMES TO NEW YORK- TOUMANI DIABATE

Mali Grand Prince of Kora

Toumani Diabaté born August 10, 1965 in Bamako, Mali into a family of groits is a Malian kora player who has gained international acclaim for his music. He is considered by many to be the world’s finest kora player. He is a versatile performer, being equally at home with the traditional music of Mali as well as with cross-cultural collaborations with flamenco, blues, jazz, and other international styles. He comes from a long family tradition of kora players including his father, Sidiki Diabate, who recorded the first ever kora album in 1970. He lives in Bamako, Mali.

Toumani Diabate Symmetric Orchestra will be performing at Carnegie Hall-Zankel Hall New York on Friday March 30, 2007