Kasse Mady Diabete - Kirike

HE may be in his mid 60s now, but Kasse Mady Diabate’s voice sounds as fresh as a man many years his junior.

Regarded as one of the foremost exponents of traditional African music, the Malian singer joins forces on this album – named after a horse’s saddle in his griot (CORR) culture – with producer Vincent Segal and Kora exponent Ballake Sissoko.

It’s eight tracks are incredibly delicately constructed – like musical works of art – but while the instrumentation is ever present it is Diabate’s voice that is always the central focus.

Clearly, this genre is not for everyone, but, having visited Africa on several occasions, I have come to develop a deep affection for the music of the continent, and Kirike is right up there in that respect.