The Mande Variations

Toumani Diabate is one of the most important musicians in Africa. Toumani plays the kora, a harp unique to West Africa with 21 strings; and more than any other kora player it is Toumani who is responsible for bringing this instrument to audiences around the world. He is a performer of truly exceptional virtuosity and creativity - someone who shows that the kora can rival the world's greatest instruments. Having spent years refining and perfecting his technique to an unparalleled level Toumani's career comes full circle. The Mande Variations is all-acoustic, Toumani's first album of solo kora since his groundbreaking debut album Kaira released almost twenty years ago.