Bala

There's a rich resonance to the music of Fodé Lassana Diabaté, whose music has travelled with him from his griot family in West Africa to the North American coast of Unama'kik (Cape Breton). Bala, his first album of purely balafón music, brings together traditional pieces with roots in the Mande empire, original compositions inspired by his time in Unama’kik, and tributes to friends and family members. Diabaté has developed a unique practice on the balafón—a traditional melodic percussion instrument similar to the marimba—in order to perform pieces with a broad cross-section of musicians from diverse global traditions. His playing is expressive and animated, the product of his dedication to his craft, his openness to collaboration, and his journeys around the world.

RELATED RESOURCES
For related information on Lassana Diabaté's involvement in the Sunjata Project, featuring community-engaged research and performance of the Mande epic of Sunjata Keita, click here.

 

Track Listing

1	Cape Breton Lassana Diabaté	05:41
2	Tokonou Lassana Diabaté	04:50
3	Samuel Lassana Diabaté	04:45
4	The Farmer's Tune Lassana Diabaté	03:41
5	Sossofoli (Korogba) Lassana Diabaté	03:09
6	Nana Triban Lassana Diabaté	03:08
7	Kanou Lassana Diabaté	04:26
8	Hommage à Kassé Mady Lassana Diabaté	04:53
9	Sirfou Lassana Diabaté	04:42
10	Kaira Lassana Diabaté	05:52
11	The Jala Tree Lassana Diabaté	05:22
12	Aissata hommage à maman Lassana Diabaté	04:59
13	Mariama Siré Lassana Diabaté	03:29