Lassana Diabaté - Bala (2021)

West African musician and hereditary griot Fodé Lassana Diabaté has released “Bala”, his first album centered entirely on the balafón, a traditional melodic percussion instrument related to the marimba. The record features ancient traditional pieces rooted in the Mande Empire, original compositions written during his time in Unama’kik (Cape Breton) in North America, and personal tributes to friends and family. Shaped by extensive global touring and collaborative projects, Diabaté has developed a distinctive playing technique that seamlessly connects traditional African percussion with artists from diverse musical traditions worldwide.

Tracklist:
1-1 Lassana Diabaté - Cape Breton [5:41]
1-2 Lassana Diabaté - Tokonou [4:50]
1-3 Lassana Diabaté - Samuel [4:45]
1-4 Lassana Diabaté - The Farmer's Tune [3:41]
1-5 Lassana Diabaté - Sossofoli (Korogba) [3:09]
1-6 Lassana Diabaté - Nana Triban [3:08]
1-7 Lassana Diabaté - Kanou [4:26]
1-8 Lassana Diabaté - Hommage à Kassé Mady [4:53]
1-9 Lassana Diabaté - Sirfou [4:42]
1-10 Lassana Diabaté - Kaira [5:52]
1-11 Lassana Diabaté - The Jala Tree [5:22]
1-12 Lassana Diabaté - Aissata hommage à maman [4:59]
1-13 Lassana Diabaté - Mariama Siré [3:29]