Sidiki Diabate

St George's Hall, Liverpool, UK on May 27, 2014

Salaam alaikum London he said introducing the young man seated next to him who was also playing the 21-stringed West African harp.

Roskilde Festival, Denmark

A Malian father and son duo who play the kora a traditional West African harp-lute which has 21 strings and which Toumani described to amusement from the crowd as “very easy to play – one hand for the bass and one for the melody and improvisation”.

Hobbling gingerly onto stage with a walking stick, gently guided by his attentive son Sidiki, the appearance of legendary Toumani Diabate was immediately touching.

I guess since you’ve landed here you’re expecting to read some sort of review of Toumani and Sidiki Diabate’s show at the Barbican tonight.