Interview with Malian guitarist, Moussa Diakite on Dial Afrika Wed. 28

Malian guitarist Moussa Diakite is synonymous as being one of  West Africa’s “Golden Era’s” most influential, respected and leading guitar players. Moussa is also known by the name Doncomodja, which translates to ‘Gift From God’. His ‘crossover’ style is a rich fusion of Malian Traditional Folk-lore and western contemporary styles such as Blues, Jazz, Classical, Funk, Rock n’ Roll and Cuban. Transposing to guitar those traditional instruments such as the N’goni Kamale N’goni, Kora, Soucou and the Balafon is reflected in his unique guitar styles.

Moussa Diakite collaborated with one of West Africa’s most influential musicians of the last 40 years, acoustic guitarist, Djelimady Tounkara along with prominent contemporary star and recent Grammy nominee, Bassekou Kouyate, as well as kora maestro Toumani Diabate and vocalist Kasse Mady Diabate and arranger and composer Cheick Tidane Seck who put him forward to join as lead guitar for the Super Rail Band De Bamako. Joining these luminaries is one of Australia’s emerging instrumentalists, Simon Olsen who is first generation Australian from Mali.

Now living in Sydney, Australia Moussa Diakite recorded an album, and made a documentary in Bamako, Mali – Donkomodja – Mali Homecoming in November 2014. The album will be launched at 505 Saturday October 1

Moussa has also joined his Malian contemporaries on their Australian tours including performances with Oumou Sangare in 2006 at the Opera House as well as other past collaborators, Toumani Diabate, Salif Keita, Super Rail Band and Habib Koite. Moussa has become a true ambassadore for Malian music and culture in Australia.

“Without a word of a lie or hint of exaggeration, one of the finest guitarists I’ve ever heard. Not only a maestro, but a player of exceptional, exquisite style, judgement and taste”. Lloyd Bradford (Brad) Syke – Australian Stage

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