Batuki Music Society Presents Malian Griot Sountougoumba Diarra, April 6, 2012, 8 pm. at the NOW Lounge, 189 Church Street. Sountougoumba Diarra, who descends from a long line of Malian griots, was born in Kayes, Mali. She is a young artist of exceptional quality and in the same league or caliber as her famous mother, Kandia Kouyate. Tapa, as she goes by this childhood nickname, inherits her mother's powerful Manding voice and tradition, and her father Bouya Diarra's Bambara traditional dance talents. Tapa's parents are artists who have greatly influenced her music career. The 'kora' (21 string harp) is an instrument that takes centre stage in Malian tradition and culture, and it is especially significant in performance of ceremonies and rites. The kora is also a favourite of the 'djelis' or 'griots', a centuries old caste whose practitioners are revered as they are considered keepers of records and oral history of the
great Manding Empire. Tapa is one of the keepers of this tradition, an excellent dancer and an artist who possesses a powerful and simply delicious voice. Tapa is based in Montreal, has performed throughout the province of Quebec as well as several appearances here in Ontario. She will be accompanied by kora player Dieli Mori Tounkara and keyboardist David Mobio. Dieli Mori Tounkara, an excellent kora player who also plays guitar, is the brother of guitarist Djelimady Tounkara of Mali's famous group, the Super Rail Band as well as a member of the Afro-Cubism super group project that toured Europe and America recently. Dieli Mori Tounkara studied kora from the highly regarded kora master, Toumani Kouyate. Dieli Mori Tounkara has played alongside some great artists in Mali and Senegal. He also plays drums and other percussion instruments. He is a founding member of 'Kabakuwo', a local group in Montreal, Quebec. David Mobio, born
in the Ivory Coast, is a talented keyboardist and arranger who arrived in Canada in the early '90s. He has since then been based in Quebec, putting his talents to use, playing with local artists such as; Jean Leloup, Melanie Renaud, and Senaya. Mobio has also accompanied international artists such as; Guyana's Chris Combete, Guinea's Sekouba Bambino, Congo's Annie Ebene, Togo's King Mensah, and South Africa's Lorraine Klassen. He has also recorded and arranged a few albums. Tapa Diarra's performance would transform any space into a communal setting similar to a village in Mali. The NOW Lounge would be equally warm and welcoming like a Malian homestead, you will savour and enjoy the experience – up close. Resident DJ Apollo will be entertaining between sets. Date: Friday April 6, 2012.Venue: NOW Lounge, 189 Church Street,
Toronto.Ticket: $10 (capacity is limited to 80)Time: Doors open 7:00 p.m., Show starts 8:00 p.m. Info: info@batukimusic.com, www.batukimusic.com Batuki Music Society gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Arts Council and Canadian Heritage.
Batuki Music Society360A Bloor St. W.P.O. Box 68585Toronto, ONM5S 1X0
batukimusic@yahoo.com www.batukimusic.com
"nurturing and strengthening cultural diversity through music and the arts."
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