Djeli Moussa Diawara (also known as Jali Musa Jawara) is born in a family of griots. His father was a balafon player, and his mother a singer. His half-brother, they share the same mother, is Mory Kanté. He then became a « jali » or « djeli », a mandingo word for griot. He learned to play the balafon, the kora and the guitar.
At 18, he went to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire where he played with his half-brother who was leading the legendary Rail Band. Starting his solo career, he worked with Djenne Doumbia, a great singer who later joined Salif Keita's group.
In 1983, he recorded his first LP, "Yasimika" which was considered to be a great piece of African music. Then, he left for Paris.
He released his "Flamenkora" album in 1998, offering a rich blend of styles, from his Mandingo roots to Flamenco.
In 2000, Djeli Moussa recorded "Ocean Blues - from Africa to Hawaiï" with Bob Brozman, which received rave reviews.
He then founded Kora Jazz Trio, with Abdoulaye Diabaté (piano) and Moussa Cissoko (drums). He composed most of the tracks on which he sings. He also played the Kora and sometimes the guitar, on the three albums they released (Part I, II & III).
Singer and musician, Djeli Moussa developed a very intimate relationship with his 32-stringed Kora, which is unique and was adapted at his request from the 21-stringed traditional Kora. He was able to adapt to many different rhythms from traditional Mandingo to Salsa, Flamenco, Blues and Jazz.
He has worked with many internationally acclaimed artists like Ali Farka Touré, Carlos Santana, Manu Dibango, Janice deRosa, Stephan Eicher and Cheick Tidiane Seck.
Name Vars
- Cissoko
- Diawara
- Diely Moussa Diawara
- Djeli Mousa
- Djeli Moussa
- Djelly Moussa Djawara
- Djelmi Moussa Diawara
- Djely Moussa Diawara
- Djéli Moussa Diawara
- Jali Moussa Jawara
- Jali Musa Jawara
- Jawara
- Musa Jarawa
- Musa Jawara
"This, his self titled debut solo record is a remarkable slice of Mande Folk and Belafon, Kora playing Nd is considered an important release for West Africa. The record is made up of four tracks (two per side) that travel along in a methodical rhythm. From start to finish Diawara displays such a high and mature understanding of these complex instruments while celebrating the traditional sounds and stories of his culture. There is a magical joyousness and celebration in these songs that sound like a call and response between Diawara and a chorus of singers that sing high in the background in affirmation." @t
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