AFRICA UP CLOSE: Tapa Diarra: Apr 6, 2012

The ‘Djeli’ (“blood” in Mandé) or ‘Griot’ (more common French equivalent) belongs to a centuries-old caste revered as oral historians of the great Manding Empire. Sountougoumba ‘Tapa’ Diarra, who descends from a long line of griots, was born in Kayes, Mali. A young artist of exceptional pedigree, Tapa (her childhood nickname) inherited the powerful voice of her famous mother, Kandia Kouyaté, and the Bambara dance talents of her father, Bouya Diarra. Based in Montréal, Tapa has performed throughout the province of Quebec, and has made several appearances here in Ontario.  She will be accompanied by kora player Diely Mori Tounkara and keyboardist David Mobio.

“The Griots”: a workshop with Tapa Diarra and Diely Mori Tounkara
Festival international Nuits d’Afrique Montréal; July 2011

Diely Mori Tounkara, another griot and an excellent kora player, is the brother of guitarist Djelimady Tounkara, a member of Mali’s famous Super Rail Band, as well as of the AfroCubism super group that toured Europe and America recently.  Diely Mori Tounkara studied kora from the highly regarded kora master, Toumani Kouyaté, and has played alongside some great artists in Mali and Senegal.  He also plays guitar, drums and other percussion.  He is a founding member of ‘Kabakuwo’ in Montréal, Quebec.

David Mobio, born in the Ivory Coast, is a talented keyboardist and arranger with several recordings to his credit. In Canada since the early 1990’s and now based in Quebec, he lends his talents to local artists such as Jean Leloup, Melanie Renaud, and Senaya, and also international artists such as Guyana’s Chris Combete, Guinea’s Sekouba Bambino, Congo’s Annie Ebene, Togo’s King Mensah, and South African Lorraine Klassen.

Tapa Diarra (dancing!) with Diely Mori Tounkara, David Mobio and others
Université du Québec en Outaouais; September 2011

Tapa Diarra’s performance recreates the communal setting of a village in Mali; the NOW Lounge will be as warm and welcoming as a Malian homestead. Savour and enjoy the experience… up close.

AFRICA UP CLOSE is a series of concerts exclusively taking place at the NOW Lounge, a cozy room that holds a maximum of eighty people. This is an opportunity for the audience to experience music in an intimate setting, as well as interact with the artists. Enjoy healthy, organic, and locally sourced fare from the NOW Lounge’s kitchen, along with the music and ambiance. Resident DJ Apollo entertains between sets.

Batuki Music Society gratefully acknowledges the support of Canadian Heritage and the Ontario Arts Council