Djeli Moussa Diawara

Introduction

Djeli Moussa Diawara, born in 1962 in Kankan, Guinea, is a composer, singer and virtuoso of the kora, the string instrument emblematic of the Mandinga tradition. From a family of griots, he developed a unique musical style, combining the ancestral roots of African music with modern influences of flamenco, jazz and blues. With a rich and diverse discography, Djeli Moussa Diawara has established itself as one of the indispensable figures of the contemporary African musical scene.

Education

In accordance with the family tradition, Djeli Moussa Diawara was introduced from an early age to the traditional musical instruments of the Mandinga culture, including the kora, ballaphone and guitar. Thus he was able to develop an exceptional mastery of these instruments, while acquiring codes and composition techniques specific to the griots.

Musical career

After starting his career in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where he collaborated with his half-brother, the legendary Mory Kanté, Djeli Moussa Diawara experienced his first success in 1983 with the release of his album "Yasimika", considered a reference to African music.

Subsequently, he diversified his musical approach, blending traditional Mandingue influences with the sounds of flamenco, jazz and blues. This unique alloy is reflected in the album "Flamenkora", released in the late 1990s, which was welcomed by critics.

In 2000, the collaboration with American guitarist Bob Brozman on the album "Ocean Blues - from Africa to Hawaii" allowed Djeli Moussa Diawara to dominate the international stage, bringing a cosmopolitan dimension to his music.

Discography

In single :

• 1983 : "Yasimika" (LP - réédité aux États-Unis en 1991)
• 1988 : "Soubindoor" (World Circuit)
• 1992 : "Cimadan"
• 1996 : "Sobindo"
• 1998 : "Flamenkora"
• 2000 : "Ocean Blues - from Africa to Hawaï" (avec Bob Brozman)
• 2006 : "Sini"
• 2010 : "Yasimika (Abidjan 1982)", réédition remastérisée de son premier album
• 2011 : "Yékéké (Paris 2010)"

Wًith the Kora Jazz Trio :

• 2003 : "Part I"
• 2005 : "Part II"
• 2008 : "Part III"

Collaborations

Thro his career, Djeli Moussa Diawara has collaborated with many renowned artists, testifying to the international recognition of his talent:

• 1985 : Composition and performance of the song "Djeli, Djeli Blues" on Johnny Copeland's album "Bringin' It All Back Home"
• 1996 : Participation in the album "Keltiafrica, the Celtic mystery meets African magic" with Doudou N'diaye Rose, Gilles Servat, Papa Wemba, among others
• 1996 : Kora game on the title "Dis Moi Où" from the album "(1000 Vies)" by Stephan Eicher
• 2005 : Composition and performance of the original animated film "Kirikou and the Wild Beasts" by Michel Ocelot
• 2006 : Composition and performance of the original film "After the ocean" by Éliane de Latour
• 2009 : Participation to the album "Storia, storia..." by Mayra Andrade

Singles

Thro his career, Djeli Moussa Diawara has marked the history of African music with emblematic singles, such as :

• "Djeli, Djeli Blues" (1985)
• "Dis Moi Où" (1996)
• "Kanta" (2006)

These titles, reflecting the richness and diversity of his repertoire, helped make Djeli Moussa Diawara one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music.

Conclusion

Djeli Moussa Diawara alone embodies the strength and vitality of the Mandinga musical tradition, while opening it to new influences. Virtuoso of the kora and inspired composer, he was able to impose himself as one of the major figures of the African musical scene, constantly pushing the boundaries of his art. His journey, marked by prestigious collaborations and acclaimed albums, testifies to the richness and diversity of contemporary African musical creation.