Toumani Diabate is currently making his way across the US as part of a national tour. He performed in Minneapolis earlier this week at the Dakota Jazz Club and, while in town, stopped by the Minnesota Public Radio studios for a live set on The Current.
On the show, Toumani speaks with host Steve Steel about his roots, coming from a long line of kora players, and his past collaborations with a broad range of artists like Taj Mahal, Björk, and Ali Farka Toure. The live set includes the songs "Elyne Road," off the forthcoming album Mande Variations; "Kaira," from his Grammy-winning album with Toure, In the Heart of the Moon; and "Bany," which he dedicates to the King of Mali.
You can listen to the show online at minnesota.publicradio.org.