The traditional West African sounds of balofon and ngoni were combined with keyboards and computer programming by Mali-born vocalist and drummer Abdoulaye Diabaté. While rooted in the Bombara sounds of such Wassolou singers as Oumou Sangare, Diabaté was known for the extremely raw sounds of his vocals. He began singing and playing drums at tribal celebrations at a very early age. He sharpened his performance skills as a member of various musical theater troupes. In 1976, Diabaté joined the Orchestre Regional De Segou. Early exposure came from his being the lead singer of Koule Star from Koutalia, and Kéné Star from Sikasso. Together with Kéné Star, Diabaté placed first in the Biennales competition. Although he recorded under his own name from 1988 onward, Diabaté continued to be accompanied by members of Kéné Star. Abdoulaye Diabaté died on January 16, 2025, at the age of 65. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi