Cheick Hamala Diabate

Grammy nominee Cheick Hamala Diabaté, from Mali, performs all over the world with the ngoni, a traditional Mali instrument which is a stringed lute and ancestor to the banjo.

With releases like Ake Doni Doni – Take It Slow and Prudence, Cheick Hamala Diabaté has successfully fused the traditional rhythms and vocals of his ancestors with the more electric, American sounds he has absorbed over the past decade living in the US. His performances have been featured at such notable venues as The Smithsonian Institute, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest among many top festivals across the U.S. and around the world. More info:www.cheickhamala.com, FREE