Djeli Moussa Diawara (also known as Jali Musa Jawara) was born to a Griot family. His father was a balafon player, and his mother a singer. His half-brother, sharing the same mother, is Mory Kanté. He became a " jali " or " djeli ", mandingo word for Griot. He learnt to play the balafon, the kora and the guitar. At 18 he played with his half-brother, who left the legendary Rail Band, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Starting his solo career, he worked with Djenne Doumbia, a great singer who later joined Salif Keita's group. In 1982, his first LP Yasimika was recorded. It is still considered a great piece of African music today. Then, he left for Europe. England first for a tour where he shared the stage with Ali Farka Touré, and finally settled in Paris.