The oral tradition of Mali is mainly expressed by the Griots or "Jɛli" (in Bambara) who themselves are a combination of storytellers, praise singers and human history books, having studied the practice of singing and reciting for many generations. Many of their songs are very old and are said to date back to before the early kingdom of Mali.
Griot singer, guitarist, drummer, storyteller and song master Boubacar Diabate is from Bamako, in Mali, West Africa. Diabate comes from the ancient Mandé lineage traced back in West African history to a time before the 8th century Malian Empire.
Bouba has combined traditional rhythms with modern influences to create his own unique style of contemporary Malian Griot music, presenting his own compositions and arrangements while singing and playing guitar with his group, SambaLolo.
In the languages of Bambara, Mandé and English, Boubacar Diabate & SambaLolo create performances spanning a full spectrum of Traditional Mandé to Contemporary Malian music from West Africa while blending in some Blues, Jazz, Reggae and Bluegrass - Bouba sings of our common shared experience of love, life and humanity, giving all a rare opportunity to hear the age-old West African tradition of Griot storytelling through song.
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FOR MORE INFO - EMAIL: info@sambalolo.net - OR CALL: 617-718-7182
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CHECK OUT affordable New England-based African Drumming Workshops with Bouba at: info@sambalolo.net
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Photos & Video by Mateja Miljacki; Justine Hunt; Scott Fleishman; James Marcus; iMedia Music and thanks to Henry among many more...
All recordings by Mateja Miljacki and SambaLolo Productions
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Boubacar Diabate w/ SambaLolo's Friend Space (Top 28)
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Boubacar Diabate with SambaLolo and The Equalites to play Johnny D's March 5 A unique evening of world-class music
On Thursday, March 5, 2009, Boubacar Diabate and his band, SambaLolo (meaning Peace Star), will be headlining an evening of music at Johnny D's in Davis Square, Somerville. Through the age-old West African tradition of Griot storytelling, Diabate combines traditional rhythms with modern influences to create his own infectious style of music with trips to Jazz, Blues and Reggae. Singing in Mandeng, Bamanan and English, Diabate tells stories of common shared human experiences such as of love, life and humanity. From the first note, Diabate and SambaLolo deliver a mesmerizing and memorable performance. Diabate hails from Bamako in Mali, West Africa and is now a resident of Somerville.
Opening for Diabate and SambaLolo will be the six-piece reggae band, The Equalites from Northampton, MA. Fronted by the strong, soulful vocals of lead guitarist David Boatwright, The Equalites deliver a performance like no other anywhere within the reggae genre. With a truly original sound, The Equalites have taken reggae music into exciting new territory, reminiscent of the classic Studio One recordings that also pushed the boundaries into advanced dub, afro beat, one drop, rockers, and bluebeat. The Equalites deliver a great evening of conscious original and classic dance boogie skank that moves people to move, sweat, and sing along.
