Kasse Mady Diabate

Kasse Mady Diabate

Kasse Mady Diabate is a Malian griot singer from Koulikoro, Mali, born in 1949 and active until his death in 2018. He is associated with world music and with the Mandakalou family or group.

Background and family tradition

Diabate comes from one of the two largest griot families. His family traces its ancestry to Morykaba Diabaté, who fights alongside Soundjata in the 13th century. Kela is described as a major centre of griot tradition, and Diabate grows up in this musical environment. Many of his cousins, brothers and sisters sing, but he is noted for a particularly soft voice that gives him distinction within the family.

Career in Mali

He becomes known in Mali for his gentle but powerful singing voice. By the time he is 20, he is already famous in Kangaba, the old Mandingo capital. Demba Diallo, the governor of the Kangaba district, forms an orchestra and invites him to join as a singer, giving him his first experience of electric music. Within a few years, he becomes known as a leading Malinke singer in Mandingo country.

Badema National Orchestra and solo recording

Diabate’s reputation reaches Bamako, and in 1972 the Youth Ministry appoints him singer with the Badema National Orchestra. Until 1988, he follows a dual career, singing both at official functions and private gatherings, while also working as a vocalist with an electric orchestra in the capital. During this period, he does not have many opportunities to record as a solo artist, apart from the large number of Badema tapes circulating in Mandingo country. In 1988, producer Ibrahima Sylla asks arranger Boncana Maïga to record a solo album with him.

Context and collaborators

Boncana Maïga, who is from Gao and has a wide musical background, is chosen to work on the recording. He studies in Cuba for eight years and founds the group Maravillas de Mali. Diabate’s recorded work is rooted in Malian and Mandingo musical traditions and in the performance role of the griot singer.