Kasse Mady Diabate is considered to be one of Africa's most outstanding singers by top music critics in Europe and the U.S. With Damon Albarn and Taj Mahal amongst his most vociferous fans, Kasse was nominated by the BBC as Best African Artist 2003, for an Edison Award in Holland and his CD, "Kassi Kasse" has just been nominated for a Grammy in the category "WORLD MUSIC TRADITIONAL". With this release the enormous talent of this traditional griot singer is finally receiving recognition outside his native Mali.

The CD, co-produced by Lucy Duran, brings together different generations of Malian musicians playing a repertoire that includes up-beat contemporary songs with plenty of percussion; Malian takes on the Cuban repertoire that Kasse played in the 1970s as well as deep roots music from the griot village where he was born.

On stage, this incredibly rich and wide range of Malian roots music is performed by eight musicians playing acoustic instruments including percussions, balaphone, n'goni, guitar and flute. The virtuoso line-up, which includes dancing and plenty of solo percussion, is the backdrop for Kasse Mady's exquisite voice. Kasse and his band conquered Mexico City's Zocalo stage in 2002 when 45,000 were captivated by the quality of the music and the presence of the band on stage.