Performance 2 July 2017
The Burkina Faso-born Mamadou Diabaté is an award-winning balafon master and composer. He comes from a traditional 'Griot' family of musicians and storytellers of the Sambla people. From his fifth year of life, he got a lesson. He is so virtuous that some listeners think he has more than two hands. Mamadou can play balafon solos with special techniques, which gives the impression that there are three balafonists at the same time. Since 2001 he has released 11 CDs. The Cd "Keneya" is the first recording of the traditional Balafon music of the Sambla people in the world. This music actually translates the Sambla language into sounds. Musicians who do not speak this language can not play it. Characteristic of Mamadou Diabate & Percussion Mania is today its unique arrangement with two balloons before the stage as lead instruments. That makes the group unique in the world and different from all other West African bands. The musical dialogues and spectacular balloons between the brothers Mamadou and Seydou are one of the highlights of the performance. Mamadou lives in Vienna today. In 2006 he opened a school in Burkina Faso, where 550 children currently receive free education.

Mamadou Diabaté balafon, kora, singing
Yacouba Konate, balafon, kora, singing
Dramane Dable whistle, dundun, tama, singing
Dando Pare Sylvain bass guitar, ngoni, singing
Adiouma Diabaté djembé, singing
Seydou Traore, singing

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