For almost half a Century Kassé Mady Diabaté has been recognized as one of West Africa’s finest singers. He is a descendant of the most distinguished griot family of the ancient Manding Empire, the Diabatés of Kéla; his name, alongside other griot legends Toumani Diabaté and Bassékou Kouyaté, is equivalent to musical royalty in Mali. Kassé Mady has played a part in the most innovative moments in Malian music over the past five decades, first in his own country and later with landmark international collaborations.

Expressing himself almost entirely through his music, Kassé Mady transcribes all of the nuances of the human soul into song, cementing his position as “the greatest singer in Mali”, as described by fellow countryman Salif Keita.