Mali Latino
Madou Sidiki Diabaté and Alex Wilson met while on tour in 2004. A tune that featured strongly then was the traditional Mandingue melody, Remercier les travailleurs which Alex subsequently recorded.
Offered an Aldeburgh Residency to further develop a project with Madou, Alex travelled to Mali early in 2008, working with Madou and meeting Ahmed Fofana for the first time. Alex was immediately impressed by Ahmed’s musicality, facility on multiple instruments and deep knowledge of Mandingue music and traditions.
During an intensive five-day Aldeburgh Residency in September 2008, the three musicians worked on the new project, based on a meeting of Latin and Mandingue traditions. At the end of their stay, they took part in an Open Session, performing the work-in-progress.
The project was officially premiered by Alex Wilson (piano), Madou Sidiki Diabaté (kora), Ahmed Fofana (percussion) and Doussouba Diabaté (vocals) at Aldeburgh Music's Housewarming weekend in May 2009, celebrating the opening of the new Hoffmann Building. The musicians also worked alongside Aldeburgh Young Musicians during the weekend.
The project returned in August 2009, opening the Snape Proms.
Aldeburgh Residencies
Concerto Caledonia
Yet another Aldeburgh Residency sees Concerto Caledonia here to bring Folk and Early music together in the Revenge of the Folksingers.
Latin, jazz and world music specialist Alex Wilson took part in an Aldeburgh Residency in September 2008, alongside Malian musicians Madou Sidiki Diabaté and Ahmed Fofana, to develop their Mali Latino project.
Click here to see the results of their Open Session.
