
Toumani Diabaté, Master of the 21-Stringed African Kora, Dies at 58 in Mali
Toumani Diabaté, a master of the 21-stringed kora from Mali, known for blending musical traditions globally, passed away at 58.

Toumani Diabaté, a renowned kora player from West Africa, has passed away at the age of 58 in Bamako, Mali. His manager, Saul Presa, confirmed that he died from kidney failure in a hospital. Born into a long line of griots, who are traditional musician-historians, Diabaté was a staunch advocate for the heritage of the Mandé-speaking peoples in West Africa.
A Cultural Guardian
Diabaté often spoke of the griots as the "blood" of West Africa, emphasizing their role as guardians of society and communicators. He was deeply committed to promoting his cultural legacy on a global scale and sought to break down the barriers imposed by colonialism through his music.
Global Legacy Through Music
In 2006, he expressed to The New York Times his belief that music had the power to unite people across different nations and to revive age-old connections. This conviction was the driving force behind the formation of his renowned ensemble, the Symmetric Orchestra. Diabaté's musical contributions reverberate throughout the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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