Oumou Sangaré, Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita and others pay tribute to Toumani Diabaté

Malian musician Toumani Diabaté has died aged 58 following a short illness. Diabaté was synonymous with the 21-string West African lute known as the kora. After releasing his debut album, Kaira, in 1988, Diabaté went on to work with an astonishing number of collaborators, including Björk, Damon Albarn, Taj Mahal, AfroCubism (with members of Buena Vista Social Club), Kayhan Kalhor, Danny Thompson, Herbie Hancock, Béla Fleck and, most famously, Ali Farka Touré, with the two Malians winning Grammys for two of their albums together.

He was known for a virtuosity allied to a love of performing and collaborating that has seen him popularise the kora, and with it Mande traditions, around the world as much as, if not more than, any other musician. "When I make a record, it is like a book... It’s an education about music, tradition, culture… and the world needs that," he told us in Songlines #76 (June 2011).

Below are some of the tributes that have already poured in for him from artists across Africa, as well as his brother Madou Sidike and son Sidiki. A full obituary on the great Toumani Diabaté to follow.

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Oumou Sangaré

It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of my brother Toumani Diabaté. The world of music today loses one of its greatest ambassadors.

Toumani was much more than a kora virtuoso. He was a bridge between our ancestral traditions and modernity, an artist who could carry the voice of Mali to all corners of the world. His music transcended borders, touching hearts across cultures and languages.

I hold precious memories from our first travels together, including [our] memorable Europe tour with the Djoliba Percussions ensemble. These moments shared on stage and behind the scenes forged an unbreakable friendship. Toumani affectionately called me "N'fa Togoma Dèn", a nickname that will remain engraved in my heart.

I remember our collaborations, our rich and deep exchanges about our musical heritage. Toumani was a guardian of our culture, but also a bold innovator who never stopped pushing the boundaries of his craft.

His departure leaves an immense void in our hearts, but his musical legacy will continue to resonate within us and inspire generations to come. Toumani's kora is silent today, but its melodies will continue to vibrate eternally in the soul of Mali and around the world.

My condolences to the Diabaté family and to all who loved and admired him. May Toumani's incomparable musical legacy and the memory of his legendary kindness bring strength and solace to all who mourn his loss. His artistic genius and generosity of soul will continue to light up our lives, even in these moments of darkness.

Sleep in peace my brother.

via Instagram

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Salif Keita

To the Diabaté family, to Madou Sidiki Diabaté, Sidiki Diabaté, to the Malian people, and to all the relatives and fans of the maestro Toumani Diabaté.

It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of our dear Toumani. In this time of pain, I want to express my deepest condolences and share your pain.

Toumani was not just an exceptional musician; he was a living legend and an ambassador of our culture. His mastery of kora, unmatched talent and passion have shaped many lives, including my own. He knew how to make hearts and souls flutter through his music, bringing joy and emotion to all who had the chance to hear him.

My musical history with Toumani doesn't date today. Since our beginnings, we have shared unforgettable moments, merging our talents and passions to create melodies that will last forever. He was a brother at heart, and our bond went far beyond the music. His musical legacy will live on and inspire generations. But beyond the artist, it is the man we cry today, a man of great humanity, wisdom and generosity.

To the Diabaté family, and especially to Madou Sidiki Diabaté and Sidiki Diabate, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the Malian people find comfort in the beauty and power of Toumani’s music, and may all his loved ones and fans remember the profound impact he had on our lives and Malian culture around the world.

May his soul rest in peace and may his music continue to accompany and comfort us.

With all my affection and support.

via Facebook

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Fatoumata Diawara

If I was told this celebration [the Victoires de la Musique 2018 ceremony] was your last international performance in Paris at the triumphs of music, I wouldn't have believed it.

If I'd also known that I'd be participating in your last performance in Europe, I'd have said no! I wish to express my gratitude to the Lord for allowing me to be present at your side on this day.

We sang the last 'Manitouani' energetically, with much servitude and love. [I] didn't know it was your farewell to the international stage!

Papa Toumani Diabaté I wish you eternal rest! You did all you could with love, joy and most of all with dignity.

You will be engraved in the memories of the music world forever! Papa Toumani, may your soul rest in peace. All my condolences to the Diabaté family.

Via Facebook

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Youssou N’Dour

My brother and friend, the virtuoso of the kora and musical arranger extraordinaire, Toumani Diabaté has just left us. An ambassador of Mali, an ambassador of Africa, has just left us. My condolences to his entire family. RIP my brother.

via Instagram

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Ballaké Sissoko

It is with deep sadness that I have just learned of the passing of my brother Toumani Diabaté.

We began our journey of learning the kora together, following in the footsteps of our fathers and continuing their work with passion and respect.

It is a story of family, heritage and culture. Toumani’s melodies will continue to resonate in our hearts. May the kora keep bringing us closer, soothing us, and bringing more peace to the world.

My heartfelt condolences to the Diabaté family.

via Facebook

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Samba Toure

[For the] last night of Festival Músicas do Mundo, Sines, Portugal (FMM), we come together not just to celebrate music, but to honour the memory of a true Malian legend, Toumani Diabaté, who sadly just passed away two days ago.

Toumani's mastery of the kora and his profound contributions to our musical heritage have inspired countless artists, including myself. As we take the stage tonight, we dedicate this performance to his memory, carrying forward his legacy through every note and rhythm.

via Facebook

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Songhoy Blues

It was with great sadness that we learned this morning of the death of uncle Toumani Diabaté, an icon of African music and a great pillar of Malian music. A man with a very good heart. Our condolences go out to the Diabaté family.

via Instagram

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Baaba Maal

The tragic passing of Toumani Diabaté is a big loss for African music and culture in general. I am sending a message of compassion to Sidiki Diabaté and my condolences to the people of Mali.

via Instagram

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Madou Sidiki Diabaté

You played your part with dignity, with respect and honesty... We will miss you forever.

via Facebook​​​

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Sidiki Diabaté

It is God who gives life and who gives death and it is to Him that we return.

My confidant, my pillar, my guide, my best friend, my dear dad is gone forever.​

via X (Twitter)