Planet Afropop December 10, 2024
Planet Afropop: Celebrating Toumani Diabaté
Banning Eyre profiles and celebrates Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté in and episode of Planet Afropop.
Toumani Diabaté, the most celebrated kora player of his time, passed away in July, 2024, just days before his 59thbirthday. Afropop Worldwide was blessed to call Toumani a friend for over 30 years and to interview him some 15 times, often at his home in Bamako, Mali. In this episode we celebrate a life of massive virtuosity, creativity and innovation. Toumani overcame daunting obstacles and extended the global reach of this venerable West African harp as no one else has ever done. We hear the voice and music of Toumani at many points in his storied career, along with commentary from his longtime producer and friend, Lucy Durán. Produced by Banning Eyre.
SIdiki (son), Sidiki (father), and Toumani Diabaté (photo by David Gilden)
Related Audio Programs
June 1, 2023
The 21-string harp, the kora, is deeply explored in this Afropop Worldwide program.
July 25, 2024
The life and legacy of Foutanga Babani Sissoko, Baba Sora, is explored through reminiscences and music.
December 12, 2024
Traditional Manding (Mande) griots living in France sit at the crossroads between Africa and Europe. Historically, their role has been to weave traditional, oral histories, often within music, to promote a united, peaceful society.
