Trio Da Kali Photo: Supplied
Trio Da Kali are an award-winning ensemble of Malian griots regarded as something of a super group in trans-global music circles.
Taking their name from an iconic praise song in the griot repertoire – ‘da kali’ means ‘to swear an oath’ – the Trio’s inspired 2017 collaboration with the Kronos Quartet brought them worldwide attention.
All three Da Kali members come from a long line of distinguished griots (hereditary musicians) and feature a simple line up of instruments including the balafon (xylophone) and the bass ngoni (lute).
However, the real star of Trio Da Kali is vocalist Hawa Kassé Mady Diabaté, blessed with a spectacular voice her power, range and phrasing lend themselves to comparisons with American gospel queen Mahalia Jackson.
Trio Da Kali’s performance on the Dell Stage at WOMAD 2020 was a triumph that had the packed audience spell bound.
Song titles: Disa, GodMother, Guede, Lila Bambou, Kanimba, Yirimadio, Garaba Mama, Tita, Ladilikan, Eh Ya Ye, Samuel, Rosewood.
Recorded and produced by Darryl Stack for RNZ Music
