Solo Diarra – Yimenga (Global Sonics GS06125, 2025)
Yimenga is the debut solo album of Burkinan multi-instrumentalist Solo Diarra. Yimenga means “Be Yourself” in Bambara. Born into a griot family, Diarra was trained from childhood in traditional West African music, mastering instruments such as the jembe, ngoni, balafon, and calabash.
Now based in Oslo (Norway), Diarra combines Burkinan music with contemporary influences. Yimenga presents eight tracks that fuse West African instrumentation with elements of jazz, classical piano, guitar, and drums. The album alternates between exquisite instrumental compositions and engaging, warm vocal pieces that reflect on identity, cultural memory, and the future of Burkina Faso. The lyrics advocate unity and peace, while honoring the griot legacy.
Diarra has lived in Norway for over a decade and is an active presence in the local music scene. He has performed at major venues and festivals across the region and is also known for crafting traditional instruments by hand, maintaining ancestral building techniques.
Yimenga was co-written with Ivan Blomqvist and Nosizwe Baqwa. It was recorded at Oslo:Fuzz, produced and mixed by Blomqvist, and mastered by Espen Høydalsvik.
Musicians: Solo Diarra on vocals, ngoni, percussion; Nosizwe Baqwa on lead and backing vocals; Ivan Blomqvist on piano, keyboards, backing vocals; Sankung Jobarteh on acoustic and electric guitar; and
Oua-Anou Diarra on flute.
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.