Culture

Mali’s ‘King of Kora’ Diabate passes on at 58

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2024

Mali’s most celebrated artiste, Toumani Diabate, popularly known as “King of Kora,” has passed away at the age of 58 following a brief illness.

According to an announcement from his family on social media, Diabate, a renowned master of the Kora which is a traditional West African stringed instrument, died on Friday at a private clinic in Bamako, the capital of Mali.

His son, Sidiki Diabate, who is also a musician, made the announcement on his Facebook page with the words:
“My dear dad is gone forever.”

Diabate was an accomplished musician whose contributions were recognized for bridging the gap between ancestral traditions and modern music, making a lasting imprint on Mali’s cultural landscape.

Local media said Diabate who was born in 1965 into a family of griots, was deeply rooted in Mali’s rich cultural heritage, serving as a guardian of the nation’s oral histories and traditions.

“Throughout his career, Diabate was celebrated for his extraordinary skill and innovative approach to the Kora,” a Malian tabloid wrote in a tribute.

“His ability to seamlessly blend traditional Malian music with contemporary influences earned him acclaim both in Africa and internationally.

“His contributions were recognized for bridging the gap between ancestral traditions and modern music, making a lasting imprint on Mali’s cultural landscape.”
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Related Topics:Death Featured King of Kora Mali Toumani Diabate

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Culture

Algeria to host Afreximbank’s CANEX 2024

Published

10 hours ago

September 7, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that the 2024 edition of its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX 2024) will hold in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with the theme, “One People, United in Culture.”

According to a statement from the bank, the CANEX 2024, which is a premier event that showcases Africa’s vibrant creative and cultural industries, will be the major focus of the four-day event taking place from October 16-19.

“CANEX 2024 offers a unique platform for creatives from across the continent and beyond, to showcase their work, network with industry leaders, and explore business opportunities, including exhibitions, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, gastronomy showcases, music, dance, poetry, and other artistic expressions,” the statement said.

“Since the event was launched in 2020, it had committed a $1bn facility for Africa’s creative and cultural industries, and has deployed specialised products for financing some CCI sectors, including the Film Financing Development Facility and the Music Development facility.

“The bank has also identified key gaps in creative production value chains, and created interventions to bridge those gaps, with a focus on access to markets.

“The event will be a gathering of creatives, investors, and industry professionals from across the continent and the world over.

“CANEX WKND 2024 will feature an exhibition and market, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, and networking opportunities. The event is open to industry professionals, individuals, corporate investors, and governance bodies. It provides a unique platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and explore business and investment opportunities,” the statement added.

Culture

SA rapper Khuli Chana to pay special tribute to AKA at the DSTV Delicious Festival

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African rapper, Khuli Chana, has revealed that he will pay tribute to his friend and mentor, the late Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, who was shot dead outside a restaurant in Kwazulu-Natal on February 10, 2023.

The ‘Motswako” hit maker disclosed that he plans to pay tribute to AKA at the upcoming DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival which will take place on September 21.

Chana said he will honour the life and legacy of AKA who was known for hits like “Fela in Versace” and “All Eyes on Me”, and was recognised worldwide for his impact on hip-hop in Africa.

Chana who shared the news on his Instagram page wrote:

“It is an honour to rock the @dstvdeliciousfestival stage in celebration of the life SUPA Mega @akaworldwide on 21st of September. It is gonna be EPIC!”

He accompanied the post with a video in which he said:

“I’ll be running, Jozi. I have been so patient. I am trying to keep my composure. I’ll be going on the super mega level.”

He also shared his excitement about the festival asking people to be at their best. “Bring that best energy, best behaviour, great company.”

Chana and AKA shared a long history of collaboration and had worked together on several singles before their 2015 hit ‘Baddest’, which also featured Yanga and Nigerian Afrobeat sensation, Burna Boy. They had also collaborated for ‘Prada’ which was release in 2023.

According to the organizers, this year DStv Delicious Festival will be celebrating 30 years of Creative Freedom in South Africa and will unite people of all cultures and backgrounds through the enjoyment of music, art, fashion, and great food.