Sona Diabaté is a distinguished Guinean singer and musician born in 1959 in Tiro. Coming from a prestigious family of griots, she was taught the art of singing and playing the balafon by her father, Hadj Djeli Fodé Diabaté, from a young age. A prominent figure in West African music, she first gained recognition as a member of Les Amazones de Guinée, Africa's first all-female orchestra, before embarking on a successful solo career with albums like "Terra 106 - Sahel", "Kankele-Ti", and "Gare-Gare", which brought her international acclaim.
Despite a severe illness that interrupted her career for three years in the 1990s, Sona made a remarkable comeback, sharing the stage with legends like Miriam Makeba and Papa Wemba. She has since established herself as one of the most authentic and respected voices in Guinean musical tradition, actively contributing to its global reach.
Introduction
Born in 1959 in Tiro, Guinea, Sona Diabaté is a living embodiment of West Africa's rich musical heritage. As the daughter of the renowned singer Hadj Djeli Fodé Diabaté, she grew up immersed in the traditions of the griots — a caste of artists and storytellers dedicated to preserving history and culture across generations.
Musical Heritage and Artistic Training
From a young age, Sona received rigorous musical training. Her father taught her the art of singing and the balafon, a quintessential percussion instrument of West Africa. This early education shaped her artistic sensibilities and laid the foundation for her future career.
After a few years of formal studies, Sona began her career as a griot singer, continuing the family tradition. Her musical experience took on an international dimension when she had the opportunity to work alongside Miriam Makeba, the iconic South African artist exiled in Guinea, who became her mentor and inspiration.
Les Amazones de Guinée: A Feminine Musical Revolution
Sona Diabaté's journey took a pivotal turn when she joined "Les Amazones de Guinée," Africa's first all-female orchestra. As a singer and rhythm guitarist in this groundbreaking group, she made a significant contribution, immortalized on the band's sole recording, the album "Au Cœur de Paris" released in 1983, a landmark in African music history.
Solo Career and International Recognition
Following the success of Les Amazones, producer Diapy Diawara invited Sona to Paris to record her first solo album, later republished by Triple Earth under the title "Terra 106 - Sahel". Alongside her artistic pursuits, she completed her military service, demonstrating her commitment to her country.
In 1988, during a European tour with Les Amazones, Sona recorded her second solo album "Kankele-Ti" for the African Popular Music label. This success enabled her to embark on her first solo European tour in 1990.
Resilience and Artistic Revival
That same year, a severe illness struck Sona, keeping her away from the stage for three years. However, she made a triumphant return in 1996 with her album "Gare-Gare", which reached the third position on the European World Music charts.
This comeback led to invitations to perform in the United States and at numerous African festivals across Europe. Her fame in Germany soared when she opened for Miriam Makeba and Papa Wemba in Berlin and Würzburg in 1996. Her performance, captured on the live CD of the 8th Würzburg African Festival, continues to captivate listeners today.
Legacy and Influence
Today, Sona Diabaté is a staple in any compilation of West African music. She features alongside legends like Youssou N'Dour, Angélique Kidjo, Salif Keita, and Oumou Sangaré on the popular sampler "African World Beat Vol.2".
After spending a year in Guinea in the early 2000s, Sona returned to Europe with twelve new compositions, four of which appeared on Argile's "Mandingo Festival" CD, while the rest featured on her solo album "Tounkana".
Throughout her remarkable career, Sona Diabaté has embodied the richness of Guinean musical traditions while contributing to their international reach. Her powerful voice, instrumental talent, and stage presence make her one of the greatest ambassadors of African music worldwide.
