Take one listen to Yaya Diallo’s Kachii: Traditions to Traditions and you will hear a mixture of traditional music with Diallo’s own signature flair. Sourced from the Minianka culture of south-eastern Mali, Diallo’s goal was to not only play Minianka balafon music, but to infuse with the traditional Western instruments of the violin, cello, double-bass, flute alongside African percussion instruments. These are the sounds of djembe, talking drum, and dounou to make a new sound for anyone who listens to Kachii: Traditions to Traditions. The symbolism is so important in this album as well, honoring the traditional role of the coredjouga. A standout track from the album is Kachi Zie. With the beautiful mixture of violin starting the track off the sounds of fusion are definitely heard. Vocals are brought in throughout the song as well, only making the song even stronger. Another standout set of tracks from this album are Fantakalo: Part One and Fantakalo: Part Two. Immediately hearing percussion and then the sound of the smooth violin start the set of the songs. With Fantakalo: Part Two, the violin headstarts but in a subtle way. The sounds of percussion and vocals hit the ground running for the overall vibe of the track. Overall, if a listener is wanting to hear something not only new, but diverse and a beautiful mix of traditional music of the Minianka culture with the traditional sound of Western instruments, this is an album one will want to immediately hear.
Artist Website
https://zyayadiallo.bandcamp.com/releases
For More Listening
The Music Court 
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