Guitari Baro

More about the artists

Lassana Diabaté is a former member of Toumani Diabaté’s Symmetric Orchestra, member of Afrocubism, and leader of renowned Malian group Trio Da Kali. He was born in Guinea into a leading family of balafon players, and relocated to Mali in the 1990s at the invitation of diva Ami Koita to be part of her ensemble. Lassana has worked extensively with the Kronos Quartet, which allowed him to cultivate a more melodic, less percussive approach to the balafon. His playing inspired Kronos’ lead violinist David Harrington to compare Lassana to none other than JS Bach.

Gaoussou Kouyaté was born in Mali into a family of griot musicians. He grew up listening at home to the ngoni (lute) and balafon, and began playing guitar aged eight. He has studied and performed with a number of celebrated Malian guitarists such as Djelimady Tounkara (of the Rail Band), – who he credits as his main mentor. He was also a member of the band of legendary singer Kassemady Diabaté, and of singer/guitarist Lobi Traoré (who was championed by Damon Albarn). The “desert blues” of Ali Farka Touré were an inspiration to Gaoussou, who on his own initiative went to Niafounke to learn the style, so different to the music of his childhood.

“Petit” Kerfala Diabaté is the youngest member of the trio and was born in southern Guinea before moving with his family to Conakry. Balafon was his first instrument but he took up guitar at the age of ten. Innately creative, Kerfala’s professional career began when he was 19, working with many of the leading artists of Guinea such as Kerfala Kanté and Djanka Diabaté. He is regular soloist to Guinea’s famed singer Sekouba Bambino, with whom he says he learnt the value of structure and collaboration. He is wildly popular at home in Guinea and among the Guinean expat communities.

Be prepared to be entranced by the instant magic, depth of feeling, and charm of Guitari Baro.