Tientalaw Sterns****

Such are the musical riches of Malian culture that it is easy to overlook some of its many significant contributors. One of these was the late Zani Diabate, best known as leader and guitar-hero of the Super Djata Band, which in the 1980s ripped apart the stately orthodoxy of the Manding griot style with a raw, earthy excitement. Zani, a griot himself, and fluent on kora, balafon and percussion as well as guitar, later became director of the Ballet National of Mali, and went on to serve as minister of culture. These late recordings, barely completed before his sudden death in January 2011, are a fine restatement of his early dynamism, with tough, rocking rhythms from Zani's electric guitar lead, backed by bass, percussion, and fine, rattling balafon. A fiery farewell from an undersung master of west African music. sternsmusic.com

Download tracks:Bogotigui Kanou, Mali Yafa, Ni Zani Mana