The Malian singer Kassé Mady Diabaté is famous for many reasons. One of the common talking points in relation to his music career is his collaboration with Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate on the LP Koulandjan, which President Barack Obama cited as one of his favorite albums. However, above all else, Diabaté is notable for his contributions to the West African music scene, particularly in his native Mali. Although he sings in Bambara, the primary language in Southern Mali, his music fuses traditions from within his country, throughout his region, and indeed the whole world. Kirike, Diabaté’s latest recording, is a continuation of the vocalist’s authentic musical exploration. The album is yet another example of why some people, including his fellow Malian Salif Keita, call him Mali’s greatest living singer.
Stream Kirike below:
Kirike is out on 6 January via Six Degrees. You can pre-order it through iTunes here.