Music Africa Tribute to Boubacar Diabate this Friday at NOW Lounge

Music Africa presents a tribute to El Hadj Boubacar Diabate with a memorial concert at the NOW Lounge on Friday January 26th.  Celebrate the life of kora master griot Boubacar Diabate (1926 - 2006) with performances by Njacko Backo & Toumkak Drummers, Jacques Yamdjie, Tamsir Seck, Sani Abu, Katenen Diobate, Muhtadi, Kassoum Diamoutene, Donne Roberts, poetry and libation by Kwame Stephens.  There will be a concert screening of Boubacar Diabate and guest speakers.  Doors open at 7 pm, program at 8 pm.  Suggested donation of $10.   

The NOW Lounge, located on the main floor of 189 Church Street at Shuter Street, is a popular public restaurant, bar, nightclub, gallery and "community centre" - a perfect downtown after-work spot to unwind with friends, colleagues, and your favourite sounds of African music. 

"Any event told must be believed because it happened, and each present event must be told." - Words of Griot Madingue.
 

Born in the Cassamance region of Senegal Boubacar Diabate followed in the footsteps of a long line of Griots, which includes his father, mother and grandmother, who earned the title "The King's Griot".  Boubacar was the first Kora player to play with the National Ballet in Senegal and toured many countries around the world performing with the group. In the early years, Boubacar performed with many other musicians including Mansour Seck (Baaba Maal's musical mentor) and Dembo Kouyate. His long musical career took him to many countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as to North America.  Boubacar Diabate was based in Montreal where he taught many the magic of the kora and was a historian on Griot traditions and music. He passed away on October 2nd last year. The memorial is set to coincide with a similar event in Montreal. (see http://kolanote.com/agenda_eng.html)

Boubacar Diabate performed for Music Africa during Black History Month at the Royal Ontario Museum in 2003 and at Afrofest.