Abdoulaye Diabate comes from the Segu region of Mali. He was born in 1952, son of Baba Diabate, traditional chief of the Diabate jelis of Segu, and of Assitan Dembele, one of the greatest Bambara singers.
At the age of eight he started singing in villages with his mother, all the while continuing his Koranic studies and attending French school. He eventually received a degree in accounting.
In 1975, at short notice, he replaced the singer of Koule Star of Koutiala, his adopted town (which he has never left), and so began a career that has produced several albums and led to his being named Best Malian Artist of 1994.
Abdoulaye Diabate’s style is an energetic mix of modern and traditional music, where you can find drums and electric guitars, but also traditional instruments such as bala and jembe.
Discography
Massadjourou (1988)
Kassikoun (Syllart 38765-2, 1989)
Namawou (Syllart SYL 83135, 1992)
Tabale (EMI Mali 83178, 1993)
Djiriyo (Stern’s STCD 1066, 1995)
Bende (Project Frikyiwa/PIAS)
Makan (Syllart SYLLAF 96173, 2000)
Samory (Cobalt 09354-2, 2002)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.