Highlights

Afrika Mamas & Mamadou Diabate

MUSICA EN PLEIN AIR

AFRIKA MAMAS

Ilanga - composed & arranged & produced by Sibongiseni Shabalala

Wangishiyelani - composed & produced by Ntombifuthi Lushaba, arranged by

Afrika Mamas

Tselamina - composed & produced by Thulani Shabalala

Hlonipha - composed & produced by Thulani Shabalala

Lapha Kwazulu - produced by Maqhinga Radebe & arranged by Afrika Mamas

Uzitshela Ukuthi Uyaz - composed, arranged & produced by Maqhinga

Hadebe

Amabheshu - traditional music & lyrics

Amakhekhe - produced by Maqhinga Hadebe, arranged by Afrika Mamas

Isuka Kude - composed, arranged & produced by Maqhinga Hadebe

Imagine - lyrics by John Lennon & composed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

MAMADOU DIABATE

Kalan So

Yankaw

Deme

Maman an bamouso

Farafin dew

Sundjata Noumou faama.

Fenba

Masaba Kann

Ele Kolo

Sanji

Anka Schieko so

All songs are written by Mamadou Diabate. 

Afrika Mamas

Afrika Mamas is an all-female vocal group that promotes African culture through music and theatre. It was founded by Afro folk singer Ntombifuthi Lushaba in 1998. The group members were background vocalists for various artists, such as Tu Nokwe, Brenda Fassie, Luzurus Dgadgudi and Steve Kekana. They have collaborated with several South African musicians, including Janni Moolman, Amanda Stryddom, and Dozi. Two of the four albums recorded by Afrika Mamas have been nominated for the South African Music Awards in the same category as Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In 1999, they were nominated for best cover album and best isicathamiya group, and in 2008 for best Isicathamiya group at the Sun City Super Bowl, SA. Afrika Mamas have participated in various projects to promote intercultural exchange, performing in several countries, including China, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Namibia. Afrika Mamas are single mothers with eleven children in total. Their music reflects their life experiences, while their faith and trust in one another have strengthened the tight bond they've maintained over the years

Mamadou Diabate

Mamadou Diabate is an award-winning balafon maestro and composer born in Burkina Faso. He comes from a traditional family of “Jeli” musicians and storytellers of the Sambla people. His professional music education began at the age of 5. His virtuosity is outstanding. Mamadou’s distinctive techniques allow him to play balafon solos that give the impression of three balafonists performing together. Since 2001, he has released 13 CDs. “Keneya” is the world premiere recording of the traditional balafon music of the Sambla people. With this CD, Mamadou has translated the Sambla language into music. Musicians who don’t speak this language are not able to play it. Today, Mamadou Diabate & Percussion Mania are different from any other West African band because they’re the only group with two balafons as lead instruments. Musical dialogues and stunning balafon duels between Mamadou and his cousin Yacouba Konate are one of the show’s highlights. Since 2017, he has given lectures on the Sambala Balafon language in various Universities in USA and Canada. Mamadou Diabate’s remarkable creativity flows endlessly, continually breathing life into his most significant cultural and musical traditions. There’s no doubt that he will continue to enrich the world with his virtuosity. In 2006, Mamadou opened a school in Burkina Faso, ensuring free education to 600 children.