Mali's music world is in mourning following the death of Toumani Diabate, a revered kora maestro. The 58-year-old passed away on Friday after a short illness, according to a social media announcement by his family.
Diabate, a virtuosic kora player – the kora being a cherished West African stringed instrument – died at a Bamako clinic, Mali's capital city. Born in 1965 to a lineage of griots (keepers of oral history and traditions), Diabate was a cornerstone of Mali's rich cultural heritage.
Throughout his career, Diabate garnered acclaim for his exceptional talent and innovative approach to the kora. His ability to seamlessly weave traditional Malian music with contemporary influences earned him recognition across Africa and internationally.
The news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from West Africa's music scene. Fellow musicians and admirers have lauded Diabate's profound influence on the music world. He was revered for bridging the gap between ancestral traditions and modern music, leaving an indelible mark on Mali's cultural tapestry.