Kimi Djabaté was raised in Tabato, Guinea-Bissau, a village known for its griots, hereditary singer-poets whose songs of praise and tales of history and legends play an essential role in West Africa’s music and social life. Centuries ago, Kimi’s ancestors, a wandering troupe of musicians from Mali, traveled to the region. The king of Guinea so loved their songs he invited them to stay and offered them the territory of Tabato. A griot by birth, Kimi has been playing the balafón, the African xylophone, since he was just three years old, and learned to play many other traditional instruments over time. In 1994, Kimi toured Europe as a member of the national music and dance ensemble of Guinea-Bissau, and he decided to settle in Lisbon, Portugal. In Europe, Kimi has collaborated with many exceptional musicians, including Mory Kanté, Waldemar Bastos, Netos de Gumbé and others. More recently, Kimi has worked with the pop star Madonna, and is a featured singer on her 2019 song “Ciao Bella.”
The central theme of Karam, Djabaté’s second solo album, is Africa: its social and political realities; the suffering of African people; the fight against poverty; freedom; women’s rights; and love. An expression of his griot roots, Karam pays tribute to the people, soul and spirit of Africa that is at the heart of his music.
http://www.jazzweekly.com/2023/05/world-soundskimi-djabate-dindin/
“Born in Guinea-Bissau and currently residing in Portugal, Kimi Djabate mixes West African tones with his rich voice and marimba-like Balfon,teaming up with Cico Santos/b, Mamadi Djabate/g, Paulo Borges/key, Marcos Alves-Miroca Paris/perc and a handful of guests. Mbye Ebrima brings rich folk flaver plaing the kora on the lilting “Lano” and pulsating “Mbemtu” while Na’” includes some soulful keyboard grooves. The team gives a reggae shuffle to “Afonhe” and gallops on Alidonke”, with classic dancing guitar lies on “Kambem” and “O Manhe”. Djabate’s voice is thick, rich and impassioned, serving as a counterbalance to the light breeze of rhythms. A warm sunset on the Gold Coast.”
More info:
live set from Pohoda Festival
https://www.facebook.com/pohoda.festival/videos/1413954475833143
Territories: Europe (except Portugal ) and on demand
TOURDATES 2023 - 2024
17-06-23: GB-Africa Oyé Festival
18-06-23: BBC Manchester, Live show
01-07-23: NL – Hertme Africa Festival
08-07-23: SK- Pohada Festival
12-08-23: CA- Edmonton Folk Festival.
2024
Festival Metisse,FR
La Spirale,CH
LINE UP
1. Correia Lopes Barbosa , IVANILDO –keyboards, vocals
2. Kimi Djabaté – voice, guitar, balafon
3. Chantre Almeida Renato – bass guitar
4. CHIRIFE Sebastian: drums, percussion, congas
5. Forna Imbana Eliseu: electric guitar