Haklima "Djoss Diabate"

Release date of album: March 1st 2005

Djoss Diabaté has done it this time; he's brought rhythms of both contemporary and traditional sounds to the table for everyone to hear. Being born to a family of griots in the town of Kali, Mali has definitely shown through this album. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music has won him fans from all walks of life.

Diabaté's extraordinary griot voice has yet to be matched by any other griot voice that I've heard so far.  Haklima travels through the journeys of life on all levels whether it is high in the streets of New York City or whether it is low in the small towns of Mali. Within Haklima, there is a song titled Iloyoro which seems to remind me of an Africa that existed long before the introduction of colonialism. This song brings forth rhythms of an African past that utilizes natural instruments and of course the fierce voice of Djoss Diabaté The Griot of our post modern time.

CD reviewed by Zadina Cadyma