Side A: Tagamba
Side B: Sigi Diya

Cheick Hamala Diabate is a West African historian, now living in Washington DC, in the Griot tradition, and a world-recognized master of the ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument. He has successfully fused the traditional rhythms and vocals of his ancestors with the more electric, American sounds he has absorbed over the past decade living in the US. Both of these tracks have Griot teaching messages and are sung in Manding (seems to be a mother language of Bambara) from Mali. For example, Sigi Diya on side B, is a message for people to listen to each other, be understanding of each other, respect each other and trust each other. We’re happy to help Cheick promote this message on 45RPM vinyl. The band on these tracks is well-oiled from holding down a weekly residency at the nightclub Bossa in Washington, DC, and the groove is thick and sure to go off on any dance floor with live humans in the house! We love re-issues of West African music by labels like Analog Africa and Soundway but it’s refreshing to have new vinyl available from a current and relevant artist such as Cheick Hamala. Comes in medium weight 7″ Brown Paper Sleeve with hand-made stamp.