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Originating from Mali, West Africa, Cheick Hamala Diabete has brought his music, culture and stories to the DC area, where he now resides when not traveling and performing throughout the US, Europe, Asia and Africa. In his music and his talks, Cheick Hamala shares his West African culture and upbringing in the Griot tradition of oral history. He is recognized as a world master of the ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument similar to a lute. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2007 and has performed and collaborated with many internationally known giants in music and the arts.
Recently, Cheick Hamala celebrated his birthday by treating several dozen of his friends and fans to a special performance at Bossa Bistro. I have followed Cheick Hamala for several years as a musician and photographer, and have been fortunate to come to know him personally over the last year. I was thrilled to help celebrate his birthday and honored to have captured these photographs of the show.
Communicated clearly in his music and stories, Cheick Hamala’s love of life is infectious and his irrepressible joy is contagious. As his ever-growing number of fans will testify, this is one contagion you do want to catch.
Thanks to all of the musicians and guests that made this show a special birthday performance, including:
