Kasse Mady Diabate wins praise with new CD

Kassé Mady Diabaté has one of the magnificent voices of the world. As the greatest of the griot praise singers from Kela, Kassé Mady is a national treasure in his native Mali and his angelic voice has enhanced the recordings and performances of his better-known compatriots Toumani Diabate and rising ngoni star Bassekou Kouyate. Now with the release of his first solo album in several years, Kassé Mady should finally achieve the world recognition that he so deserves. The wonderful Manden Djeli Kan (out now in France on Universal and in the UK on Wrasse Records, who plan to release in the US, Japan and the rest of Europe) has been unanimously praised by the critics.  Plans are underway to develop a six-piece touring group comprised of Kassé Mady’s family members on kora, guitar, ngoni, djembe and vocals. Watch this space!

‘a layered polyrhthmic feast, laden with a mouth-watering collection of contributors from the traditional West African musician class, the jelis … the star is always the brilliant vocalist’ The Times

‘a classy set’ The Guardian

‘great melodies, beautiful harmonies, dancing rhythms and on top of it all Kasse Mady’s soul-stirring, uplifting voice’ fRoots