Mamadou Diabaté
Bamako, Mali
Mamadou Diabaté is a Grammy nominated Malian kora master. He is a descendant of a griot family that has played music since the 13th century with notable family members including Toumani Diabaté. Mamadou started playing the kora at an early age and performed around his country, becoming regionally known. He eventually began touring the world with the Instrumental Ensemble of Mali and eventually settled in the United States. He has gone on to release numerous albums including his debut album, Tunga and Grammy nominated album Behmanka.