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MOHAMED DIABY- When Moustapha Diaby came across his seven year old brother Mohamed banging on pots and pans, he knew it was time to introduce his brother to the djembé drum. Right away, “I felt sweetness in my heart.” Mohamed had found not only his first teacher, but his calling as well. Mohamed’s ethnic background is mixed; his father is Djankanké and mother is Sousou. In Guinea, West Africa, ethnicity is close to pre-destiny and Djankanké do not drum. Many people (including some of his own family members) let Mohamed know of their displeasure. Mohamed was resolute: “this is what I love. This is what God wants me to do.” Playing at various celebrations, Mohamed quickly became a local favorite, earning a living doing what he loved. “I got everything I need from the djembé. By the age of fifteen, he was asked to join a group sponsored by the wife of Guinea’s infamous President Sekou Toure’.
Encouraged to continue by world-famous djembéfola Mamady Keita, Mohamed joined Africa Djolé, lead by Fode’ Yulla. Still in his teens, Mohamed traveled with Africa Djolé for a week of performances in Paris. It was his first time outside his native country, and his first airplane trip. He still remembers the mixture of fear and excitement evoked by the experience. “I knew my drum could take me anywhere, and didn’t want to stop playing, not for one day.” When an offer to join Les Merveilles de Guinea arose, Mohamed couldn’t refuse. The group toured all over, with Mohamed in the lead drummer’s chair. “My drum took me to Sierra Leone, where I stayed for five years.” While Mohamed honed his skills with various groups eager to use his talents, the rumor back in Guinea was that Mohamed was now in the fabled land of America. Almost. Kemoko Sano, Artistic Director of the world-famous troupe Les Ballets Africaines had approached Mohamed’s father saying “When your son comes back, I want him to join my group, because I love his drumming.” In a land of great drummers, this was a great honor and a great blessing. Mohamed still speaks the name of Kemoko Sano with great reverence.
In April of 1995, Mohamed arrived in America to play at New York City’s Symphony Space. Like many before him, he was quickly enchanted by New York’s possibilities, and he decided to make America his new home.
Today, while garnering nationwide and International attention, through touring and conducting workshops, Mohamed Diaby is also featured in both creative and innovative projects highlighting his dynamic skills of performance including: self-produced CD Karamba Dinke release 1997, Guest artist for World music bands, lead drummer for 3-day full scale concert performance, Caribelinq's "LAHYDI" premiered in Oakland, CA and featured drummer in African HIP HOP video shoot under acclaimed emerging works called "DA' SHOUT", produced by Alaje music. Mohamed Diaby continues to share his artistry and unique perspectives of the culture that he loves and respect - that of Guinea, West Africa!
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