Malian music pioneer Moussa Diakite‘s new album is a worthy addition to a collection of world music
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07.12.2020

Malian music pioneer Moussa Diakite‘s new album is a worthy addition to a collection of world music

Words by John “Dr John” Lamp.

Kanafo is out now.

Moussa Diakite is a guitarist, singer and composer born in Mali.

Now in his seventies he based in Western Sydney who plays a combination of Malian, Congolese, Highlife, Afro Beat, Cuban, Blues, and Jazz. He played in the iconic Afro-Latin “Rail Band” and also played in bands with Grammy Award-winning Kora player, Toumani Diabate, and Salif Kieta.

Moussa Diakite’s new album, Kanafo, was released this month. The album was made possible by funding from Australia Council for the Arts, and Create NSW.

Since moving to Australia in 1996, he has played with leading West African bands including Senegal and Guinean inspired band, Keyin Ba, and his own bands: Badema and Wassado. Moussa’s current band Wassado features Junior Jones, Len Samperi, Phillipe Lincy and Patricia Alvarez.

It is some years since I have heard such an enthusiastic and polished set of Afro-Latin pieces, and this should immediately resonate with anyone who has an interest in world music.

As well as being the title of the album, Kanafo is the first track and immediately captures your attention.

The album combines both traditional and modern instruments in a bid to bridge the gap between past and present.

This is definitely a worthy addition to a collection of world music.

We can only hope that Wassado does some touring down here when restrictions ease.

Kanafo is out now via Big Village Records / Wassa Records. You can purchase your copy here.

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