Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté

The Profile

Malian duo featuring guitarist-singer Ali Farka Touré and kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté. Their sessions blend Songhai blues and Mandé traditions into intimate, conversational instrumentals.

Recorded together at Bamako’s Hotel Mandé (2004–2005). In the Heart of the Moon (2005) won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album (2006). A follow-up, Ali and Toumani, was recorded in 2005 and released in 2010. Ali Farka Touré (1939–2006) and Toumani Diabaté (born 1965) are both Malian.

A lyrical, enthusiastic review celebrates the duo’s intimate, magically interlocked performances on In The Heart Of The Moon. It highlights the crystalline beauty of their instrumental dialogue and the respectful interplay between masters. The piece notes the quiet support of Ry and Joachim Cooder and frames the session as a spirited, tradition-rooted exchange.