The soft plucking of the kora's strings intertwines with the lush melodies of the London Symphony Orchestra, creating a marriage of traditional African rhythms and Western classical music. This unique collaboration, recorded live in 2008 at the Barbican Center, now bursts into the spotlight with the release of the album Kôrôlén, an ambitious project led by the kora virtuoso, Toumani Diabaté.
Toumani Diabaté, a native of Bamako, Mali, has built an illustrious career as one of the world's greatest kora players. The kora, a 21-string harp-like instrument from West Africa, has been part of his family for generations. His father, Sidiki Diabaté, widely revered as the 'king of the kora,' set the stage for Toumani’s exploration into global music traditions.
Toumani's journey began when he was merely five years old. By the age of 13, he had already performed at the Mali Biennale, earning accolades that would only multiply as his career progressed. Breaking into the international scene with his 1987 album, Kaira, he showed the world the depth and versatility of the kora.
Kôrôlén, which means 'seniority' or 'birthright' in Bambara, is a testament to Toumani’s commitment to bridging musical traditions. It's not his first foray into collaboration; previous partnerships include working with flamenco group Ketama, blues giant Taj Mahal, and even experimental electronic artists like Björk. Each partnership has pushed the boundaries of what the kora can do.
"This collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra was made in 2008, and I am very happy that it is finally coming out because it was a historic encounter!" Toumani shared in an interview. The album captures a rare blend of improvisation and structured classical elements, something that was unfamiliar territory for the orchestra members. "Some of the English musicians had never even seen a kora before this concert!" he added.
The project’s mastermind, Nick Gold of World Circuit, has long championed cross-cultural musical endeavors. Gold was behind landmark albums like Buena Vista Social Club and worked with Diabaté on several projects, including the Grammy-winning In the Heart of the Moon, recorded with the late Ali Farka Touré.
The concert, though exquisite, was not without its challenges. Integrating the kora into a full orchestral setting required not just musical skill but a profound sense of balance and mutual respect among the artists involved. Tracks such as 'Elyne Road' and 'Mama Souraka' feature the orchestra accentuating the intricate kora melodies without overwhelming them, creating a delicate yet powerful fusion of sound.
Clark Rundell, who conducted the orchestra, and arrangers Ian Gardiner and Nico Muhly faced the daunting task of merging these distinct musical traditions. According to Toumani, "It was truly a 50-50 collaboration to create new music. The orchestra played with great delicacy, passion, and love, and they gave the best of themselves, as did I."
The concert was much more than a simple performance; it was a statement about the richness of African musical heritage. As Toumani noted, "Africa has its classical music, much older than Beethoven, Mozart, or Bach. Most people think of African music as just festive, percussive, and energetic, but we have all types of music, including spiritual, mystical, and meditative music."
Toumani's dedication to his craft extends beyond his performances. He actively promotes the preservation and education of traditional kora music in Mali through his role as President/Director of Mandinka Kora Productions. Additionally, he teaches at the Balla Fasseke Conservatoire of Arts, Culture and Multimedia, ensuring that the next generation understands and appreciates their rich musical heritage.
The personal connections in Toumani’s music are palpable. For instance, the track 'Diarabi' is a traditional Mandinka love song that speaks of universal emotions like lovesickness. Another piece, 'Elyne Road,' is named after the street in London where Nick Gold resides, signifying the deep personal and professional relationships he has cultivated throughout his career.
In 2021, Toumani released an album that exemplified his knack for collaboration, The Sky Is the Same Colour Everywhere, with Persian kamancha maestro Kayhan Kalhor. This work brought together the musical traditions of Persian and Malian repertoires, showcasing both artists' extensive backgrounds and deep connections to their cultural music.
More recently, New Ancient Strings, a collaboration with Ballaké Sissoko, was re-released to celebrate its 25th anniversary on vinyl. This album, much like his other works, underscores the fluidity and timeless nature of Toumani’s music.
Each project and live performance builds upon the legacy of both his own family and the broader traditions of West African music. Sidiki Diabaté, Toumani's son, continues this legacy as well, blending the old with the new in his collaborations with hip-hop artists like Iba One. Toumani reflects on this evolution, saying, "We're modern griots; we live in the city and connect with the world."
As the final notes of Kôrôlén resonate, one cannot help but marvel at Toumani Diabaté's extraordinary journey. His work demonstrates that music, regardless of origin, can cross cultural boundaries and create harmonious new forms. "You have to listen to each other," Toumani says, "that's how a new music can be created." In a world often divided by differences, it is heartening to witness the universality of music bring people together in such a profound way.
