The ‘lord Of Kora’ Of Mali, Toumani Diabate, Passes Away At Age 58

Following a brief illness, Toumani Diabate, the well-known “king of Kora” of Mali, passed suddenly on Friday at the age of 58, as his family announced on social media.

at Bamako, the capital of Mali, Diabate, a well-known master of the kora, a traditional stringed instrument from West Africa, passed away at a private clinic. Diabate, who was raised in a household of griots and was born in 1965, was steeped in Mali’s rich cultural legacy and acted as a keeper of the country’s oral histories and customs.

Diabate received praise for his exceptional talent and creative use of the kora during his whole career. He received praise from people all around Africa and beyond for his ability to slickly combine traditional Malian music with modern elements.

Many tributes from throughout the West African music community have been released after the announcement of his death. Praise for Diabate’s significant influence on the music industry has come from followers and fellow artists. He had a lasting impression on Mali’s cultural landscape with his efforts, which were acknowledged for bridging the gap between traditional music and current genres.\