Mamadou Diabate carries on the West African traditions of the griot or jeli as they’re known to his people the Mande. It’s the jeli’s job to keep traditions going with the use of storytelling, both orally and musically. Diabate’s medium is the 21-string harp known as the kora. Give a listen to this mesmerizing live KEXP performance and see why he’s considered a master. - W. Myers
