We invite you to listen to Prince Diabate discuss and demonstrate his music (real audio).
Prince Diabate grew up hearing the kora played by his family and others in his village, as well as by other musicians in Guinea. He was born to the Diabate family of griots, the musicians who keep the history of the community in song and music. His family did not want him to follow this path, however, thinking it would be better for him to study to become a lawyer or ambassador.
Even though he was just a young boy, Prince knew he could never abandon the kora and singing. When an high official came to his village, Prince took his kora and sang a song of praise. The officials interceded on his behalf, convinced the family to allow the young boy to pursue his destiny, and sent him to the youth school of the national academy for the arts. Prince became a member of the national touring troupe. He proved himself to be a dedicated heir to his family's tradition.
In the years that followed, Prince played throughout the country and the world, and made recordings with great musicians. He is known for the musicality of his singing and playing as well as for his ability to play with exceptional speed. Another distinguishing characteristic is the way he plays percussively on the instrument. Other musicians criticized him for doing that saying that it "demystified" the kora. He went to his mother to ask her what she thought. She told him that his relationship to the kora as a musician was as personal as the relation between a husband and wife. Accordingly she told him he should not allow others to interfere with his personal expression on he kora.
By Terry Liu, PhD
Read more about Prince Diabete on his website
www.princediabate.com
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