Part of the great line of Cissokho griots, Diabel grew up in Dakar and Tambacounda, Senegal. Surrounded by a rich musical heritage and a family of musicians, he began playing a number of traditional instruments. However, his affinity with the kora was clear from an early age.

A trailblazer and pioneer of the kora, Diabel’s virtuosic talent, his “resonant voice and rocking kora style” (Songlines), have been welcomed everywhere from WOMAD, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Glastonbury, Africa Oyé and the Barbican, including a long stint as Baaba Maal’s kora player.

Part of the Lunchtime Concert Series.