Bala

There's a rich resonance to the music of Fodé Lassana Diabaté, whose music has travelled with him from his griot family in West Africa to the North American coast of Unama'kik (Cape Breton). Bala, his first album of purely balafón music, brings together traditional pieces with roots in the Mande empire, original compositions inspired by his time in Unama'kik, and tributes to friends and family members. Diabaté has developed a unique practice on the balafón-a traditional melodic percussion instrument similar to the marimba-in order to perform pieces with a broad cross-section of musicians from diverse global traditions. His playing is expressive and animated, the product of his dedication to his craft, his openness to collaboration, and his journeys around the world.