Kadé Diawara was a renowned Guinean artist and singer born in Sangbarala, Kouroussa, in 1940, and she passed away on April 24, 2020, in Conakry.
She hailed from a Djeli (Griot) family, being the son of Kerfala Diawara and Tiguidanké Doukouré. Her father worked as a farmer and traveling merchant, trading goods like calebasse, goats, and rice in places such as Dabola and Bissikirima.
Introduction
In the heart of Sangbarala, Kouroussa, in the year 1940, a star was born. Kadé Diawara, a celebrated Guinean artist and singer, would go on to become a beacon of Mandingo music, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Her journey from the humble beginnings of a Djeli (Griot) family to becoming one of Africa's most revered voices is a testament to talent, dedication, and the power of music.
Early Life and Roots
Kadé Diawara was the daughter of Kerfala Diawara and Tiguidanké Doukouré. Her father was a hardworking farmer and traveling merchant, trading in calebasse, goats, and rice, which he diligently harvested for sale in Dabola and Bissikirima.
Young Kadé spent her formative years in Kouroukoro before embarking on a transformative journey to the forest region of Guinea, where she would remain until her marriage.
The Musical Journey Begins
Music flowed in Kadé's blood, and she began singing and playing alongside her brother, Djeli Fodé, who had received musical training from their uncle, Sékou Diawara.
It was during a nationwide tour to establish the National Instrumental Ensemble of Guinea in 1958 that Kadé's talent truly shone.
Her mesmerizing performance of "Malisadjô" caught the attention of director Elhadj Sidikiba Diabaté and journalist Emmanuel Kati, who extended an invitation to Conakry, at the behest of President Ahmed Sékou Touré.
A Rising Star
Kadé Diawara's sublime voice and lyrically rich songs resonated deeply with African audiences of the 1960s, earning her recognition as the second most beautiful voice in Africa, following in the footsteps of her compatriot, Sory Kandia Kouyaté.
Her extraordinary talent forged a special connection with President Ahmed Sékou Touré, who offered her a home in Conakry. Not long after, he declared all Djelis as state officials, ensuring they received a monthly salary.
Musical Legacy
Kadé's timeless music found a permanent home in The Syliphone Archive, a collection of Guinean songs recorded between 1960 and 1990, which was published online by the British Library in 2019.
She graced stages worldwide as a choreographer-solist with the national instrumental ensemble of Guinea before embarking on a solo career from the year 2000 onwards.
The Golden Path
Throughout her career, Kadé Diawara released three albums that are considered the golden path of African music, rivaling even her master, Elhadj Sory Kandia Kouyaté.
In 1994, she introduced "Ambo" with an arrangement by Sékouba Bambino Diabaté in Côte d'Ivoire under the label Ninibou Productions. Nine years later, in 2003, she graced us with "Djina Moussa" with an arrangement by Kerfalla Kanté.
Honors and Awards
Kadé Diawara's contributions to the world of music were duly recognized throughout her lifetime. In 1967, she received the Medal of Honor for Work, followed by the Medal of Cultural Merit in 2010. In 2011, she was honored as an Officer of the National Order of Merit.
A Dream Unfulfilled
In 2020, with the generous support of Lamine Guirassy, CEO of Hadafos Media, Kadé embarked on an ambitious project. Tragically, on April 24, 2020, in Conakry, at the age of 80, she left us before the project could reach completion, leaving behind an unfinished masterpiece.
Conclusion
Kadé Diawara's name will forever be etched in the annals of Guinean and African music history. She was not just an artist but a cultural ambassador whose voice carried the stories and soul of her people.
Her legacy lives on through her timeless music, and she remains one of the pioneering artists who helped shape the musical landscape of Guinea and Africa.
Kadé Diawara will always be remembered as a true legend whose music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
