Posted on 03.14.2023 at 09:46 by Hawa Toumagnon
Created in 2012 by artist-songwriter Nainy Diabaté, the Kaladioula band works to promote the talent of young Malian artists.
In Mali, music takes on different faces with Kaladioula band, from traditional to modern, its style being rather “World Music”. The first 100% female musical group created in the country, it is made up of 7 permanent staff, including one who died recently.
Singing to denounce, raise awareness, educate, advise and entertain is the daily commitment of these 6 brave ladies. After a first launch at the French Cultural Center, the group was able to get noticed around the world with the obtaining of several contracts in Europe and a first tour in 2013. Kounani, Moussoya are among others some titles of the group composed by Nainy Diabaté , known from the age of 13 on the music scene, with her collaborators Oumou Koita, Lala Diallo, Bintou Koita, Therese Kouyaté and Awa Diallo.
According to its founder, the group is better known outside than inside the country, hence its fight night and day with its team to assert its image on the national scene.
Looking for local audience
“Artists come to be part of my group. We accept them among us but very generally they are not motivated. Some come to find opportunities before disappearing and others just come and go. Nevertheless, I assume. I remain determined because it is a conviction for me and the realization of one of my biggest dreams”, explains Nainy Diabaté, in her fifties.
For the group, it is Mali that counts: “we represent Mali wherever we go and we are proud of it. During our tours, even in London, when we perform, we say that it is Mali that plays and not Nainy Diabaté or others”.
Despite its aura, the group still hasn’t had any financial partners in Mali since its creation in 2012. And, during rehearsals and events, “it’s me who always pays for everything with my personal funds. But it doesn’t bother me as long as this commitment promotes female talent, ”explains the singer.
The main traditional instruments used by women artists are essentially the kora, the n’goni, the balafon, the drum, the bolon, the bondjalan, the calabash, etc. Instruments with which the group gives its maximum to please society by producing good music of which it alone holds the secret.
