Kimi Djabaté – Dindin (Cumbancha, 2023)
Dindin is the new album by highly talented multi-instrumentalist, composer and vocalist Kimi Djabaté. Currently based in Portugal, Djabaté masterfully combines Guinean traditional music with world music sounds from other cultures. Indeed, he incorporates Afrobeat, Cape Verdean influences, Malian desert blues, a delightful Cuban-style bolero slow tempo song, electric guitar, and the occasional tasteful keyboards that add modern elements and even an Ethiojazz vibe.
Kimi Djabaté is best known as a bala (balafon, African xylophone) maestro, although he is also skilled at playing various other instruments. He is backed by a superb band of African and Portuguese musicians.
Dindin (children in Mandinka) reflects on Africa’s social and political issues with sensitivity and depth, addressing themes like religion, women’s rights, poverty, and education. Despite tackling tough topics, Dindin remains hopeful and optimistic about music’s ability to bring about a better future for Africa. His music, both powerful and hopeful, shines a light on present-day struggles and difficulties.“The future is something that I construct with the present,” says Djabaté, and this is precisely what he accomplishes with his insightful lyrics and moving melodies.
Music was not just a pastime for Djabaté, but a family tradition he was expected to participate in from a young age. At three years old, his parents gave him his first bala to keep him occupied while they worked around the house. Quickly recognized as a prodigy, he performed at weddings and baptisms at eight years old and went on to study the kora in a nearby village. This early exposure to various traditional instruments set the foundation for his later proficiency on the guitar and mastery of percussion.
However, Djabaté’s musical talents were both a blessing and a curse. His family often made him perform against his will, leaving little time for him to play and enjoy his childhood. He also faced financial difficulties, including not having enough food at times. This experience is reflected in the title track of his new album, “Dindin,” where he sings “Don’t exploit children / Help children become better human beings / Don’t exploit children / Educate them.”
In the music video for “Dindin,” joyful children play clapping games, hopscotch and jump rope, and hold signs saying “I want to be safe from war, from violence” and “I want to play.” As the lyrics reflect, adults have the power to break the cycle of harm by encouraging children to grow up to become better human beings. Although Djabaté speaks with the pain of personal experience, Dindin is not a mournful song; instead, it carries hope that his message will be heard.
The album “Dindin” is deeply personal with tracks dedicated to loved ones, yet universal in its exploration of love, communication, and human connection. Djabaté presents these themes with mastery in this remarkable album.
Musicians: Kimi Djabaté on vocals, acoustic guitar, bongos, bala, claps, mola; Marcos Alves on percussion; Chico Santos on bass; Mamadi Djabaté on electric guitar; Paulo Borges on keyboards, accordion; Miroca Paris on congas, bongos; Fernando Fafe on vocals; Mbye Ebrima on kora; Elmano Coelho and Daniel Salomé on saxophones.
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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.