He identifies himself as a "griot," which is similar to a troubadour in Frankish culture (Wiki here), a bard in certain other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, as well as in the Ancient Greek tradition (Homer's Illiad and Odyssey) or a skald in medieval Icelandic society (Wiki here). Basically Diabaté identifies himself with a tradition that scholars of hip-hop (among other things) trace back as an important component of African oral history/culture and an influence - one of many - on today's music. Diabaté belongs to a group of hereditary storytellers that can trace their lineage back to the 13th century and, to me, that's beautiful.
"The Mande Variations" by Toumani Diabaté (shouts to Bossman on the video).
Today I was accosted by a guy on a bike, who picked me out (probably because I looked like a fool easily parted with his money, but nonetheless he picked me out) and proceeded to spit bar after bar of heartfelt 5 Percenter heavy, unique (if Deltron 3030-esque), sci-fi futuristic, the modern as dystopian, angst-fueled gritty old Wu-Tang Clan NYC-style lyricism heavy ciphering. Even in Chapel Hill, N.C., some other people gathered around to hear the God kick it and that's something considering how into ourselves we all seem to be around here.
Anyway, you may have seen him around: E.T. is out, hustling his first effort Holy Star Wars (sic) and his newer creative output Sci-Fly. Hopefully I'll get a song up here or an interview or something from him one of these days.
Real music never dies.
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