Toumani Diabaté, Mali’s revered “king of kora,” passed away on Friday at 58 after a short illness, as announced by his family on social media.
The music world mourns the loss of Toumani Diabaté, Mali’s iconic “king of kora,” who passed away on Friday at the age of 58 after a brief illness. Diabaté’s family announced his passing on social media, leaving fans and fellow musicians in shock and sorrow.
Born in 1965, Diabaté came from a long line of griots, revered for their role in preserving Mali’s rich cultural heritage and oral traditions.
Throughout his career, Diabaté was lauded for his exceptional talent and innovative kora techniques. His skill in fusing traditional Malian music with modern influences garnered him recognition both in Africa and globally.
Diabaté’s legacy extends far beyond his music, as he played a significant role in promoting Malian culture and heritage on the global stage. His passing is a tremendous loss, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his music.
