Alpha Yaya Diallo
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Alpha Yaya Diallo
- Genres: World
Biography
The West African guitar tradition of the Mandigos and Foulahs is fused with influences of contemporary jazz by Guinea-born and Vancouver, Canada-based guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader Alpha Yaya Diallo (pronounced "Jallow"). Together with his band, Baffing, formed in 1992, Diallo has taken the music of his homeland to an international stage. Playing guitar from the age of 12, Diallo first attracted attention as leader of University of Conakry band, the Sons of Rais. Following his graduation, Diallo performed with West African groups such as Love Systems, Kaloum Star and Sorsonet Rhythm. Moving to Europe in the mid-1980s, Diallo played guitar for worldbeat group Fatala during Peter Gabriel's WOMAD tour. After relocating to Canada and forming his own band, Diallo embarked on establishing himself as a bandleader. His second album, Futur, received a Juno award (Canada's equivalent to the Grammy). Diallo's songs, which he sings in Sous Sous, Malinke, Foulagh, French and English, deal with social concerns and the human spirit. ~ Craig Harris, RoviWikipedia on Answers.com:
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Alpha Yaya Diallo (composer)
For the Malian drummer, see Yaya Diallo.
Alpha Yaya Diallo is a self-taught guitarist, singer, and songwriter,[1] who lives in Vancouver.[2]
Diallo was born in Guinea-Conakry and when young moved about the country following the job moves of his father, a surgeon. A portion of his mother's family lived in Senegal, which gave him a rich musical education.[2] In Africa he taught himself to play the guitar, and worked with several Guinean groups such as The Sons of Ra'is and Syli Authentique. He moved to Europe in the mid-1980s, where he worked particularly with the Fatala group associated with Peter Gabriel's music label.[2] Diallo moved to Vancouver in 1991.[2] He released his solo first album, Nene, which was nominated for a Juno award, as was his 1996 album Futur. He won his first Juno, for The Message in 1999 in the "Best World Music Album" category. He received further Junos in 2002 (for The Journey) and in 2004 with the African Guitar Summit compilation. He released Djama in 2005.[2] Diallo is from Guinea and incorporates its rich musical tradition into his original compositions. He won the Best World Artist-Solo at the inaugural Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2006.[3] He produced film documentary, called Best of Both Worlds which was filmed in West African, Canada and France.[4] He plays with Ghanaian guitarist Pa JoeDiallo, Adam Solomo and Mighty Popo in African Guitar Summit.[4]
Discography
- 1993 Néné (Bafing Productions) - nominated for a Juno Award
- 1996 Futur (Bafing Productions) - nominated for a Juno Award
- 1998 The Message (Bafing Productions) - won a Juno Award in Best Global category
- 2001 The Journey (Jericho Beach Music) - won a 2002 Juno Award in Best Global Album category
- 2004 African Guitar Summit (C.B.C. Recordings) collaboration - won a 2005 Juno Award in Best World Music Album category
- 2005 Djama (Jericho Beach Music) - nominated for a Juno Award[4]
- 2010 Immé (Jericho Beach Music)
References
- ^ "Diallo kicks off concert series". chilliwacktimes.com. September 1, 2011. http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/entertainment/Diallo+kicks+concert+series/5338061/story.html. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Alpha Yaya Diallo". Festival International Nuits d'Afrique de Montréal. 2011. http://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/artist/alpha-yaya-diallo. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
- ^ Quill, Greg (January 5, 2006). =ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+05%2C+2006&author=Greg+Quill&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Signs+of+strength+in+roots+music%3B+Great+Big+Sea+ushered+in+Maritime+revival+Cohen%2C+Vigneault+finally+recognized&pqatl=google "Signs of strength in roots music; Great Big Sea ushered in Maritime revival". Toronto Star. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/957401251.html?FMT =ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+05%2C+2006&author=Greg+Quill&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Signs+of+strength+in+roots+music%3B+Great+Big+Sea+ushered+in+Maritime+revival+Cohen%2C+Vigneault+finally+recognized&pqatl=google. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
- ^ a b c Graham Rockingham (Feb 23, 2006). "Diallo singing for his people in Africa". http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/991924891.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+23%2C+2006&author=Graham+Rockingham&pub=The+Spectator&desc=Diallo+singing+for+his+people+in+Africa&pqatl=google. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
External links
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