Introspective cello in Mexico, rich South African jazz and a Malian master’s marriage of kora with symphonic orchestration were among the year’s highlights
April 2021
Toumani Diabaté and the London Symphony Orchestra: Kôrôlén review – an unequal balance
The LSO threatens to overwhelm the tumbling delicacy of Diabaté’s kora in this live recording from 2008
July 2017
Womad review – from Mexico to Mali, ska to the squeezebox, world music celebrates fusion
Seu Jorge did Bowie, Estonian folkies took on bagpiping and a knock-out celebration of global sounds was packed with highlights despite a rainy weekend
February 2016
Music blog
Damon Albarn: 'Mali's music is an inspiration for me – that’s why I’ve been here so many times'
The Blur frontman was among the artists visiting a three-day demonstration of peace in the west African country, where there is a ‘hunger for music’
May 2014
Toumani and Sidiki Diabaté: 'It's like an entire music industry in one family'
Hailing from a musical dynasty that stretches back 77 generations, Toumani Diabaté's exquisite kora playing has gone global. Now he is joined on a new album by his son Sidiki
This week's new live music
Nine Inch Nails, Mac DeMarco, Fat Out Fest: this week's new live music
Nine Inch Nails | Mac DeMarco | Toumani And Sidiki Diabate | Fat Out Fest | Phronesis | Gloria: A Pigtale
Toumani Diabaté and Sidiki Diabaté: Toumani & Sidiki review – virtuoso, upbeat kora duets
Malian griot legend Toumani Diabaté and his hip-hop star son Sidiki team up for an album of rapid-fire kora duets, writes Robin Denselow
March 2014
Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté – a musical master and apprentice: video
The First Time With…; The Value of Failure; 15 Minute Drama: What Would Elizabeth Bennet Do? – radio review
November 2013
Toumani Diabaté with Sidiki Diabaté and Trio Da Kali - review
The world's most celebrated kora exponent plays his first live debut with his son, Sidiki, writes Robin Denselow
October 2013
Music blog
A week in Mali with Africa Express – Olugbenga Adelekan's diary
Metronomy's Olugbenga Adelekan and this diary of his week in Mali recording an album with the likes of Damon Albarn and Brian Eno, and local musicians
June 2013
Future Glastonbury festival headliners: which bands are making the most noise
Six Glastonbury acts that are lower down the bill but are worth watching – and may just be headlining in five years' time
February 2013
Festival in the Desert postponed after security situation in Mali deteriorates
Instability thwarts plans for twin caravans of musicians to perform across Sahel before reuniting for Burkina Faso concert
January 2013
Fatoumata Diawara gathers Malian supergroup to record peace song
Mali's magical music
Glastonbury 2013 lineup: first act announced
Mali music ban by Islamists 'crushing culture to impose rule'
August 2012
New Africa
Africa Express: a magical mystery tour
Tony Allen and Rizzle Kicks join Damon Albarn's Africa Express
June 2012
Arnaldo Antunes, Edgard Scandurra & Toumani Diabaté: A Curva Da Cintura – review
The world's greatest kora player is joined by delicate vocal and guitar accompaniment for a pleasingly laid-back set, writes Robin Denselow
