Biography

Kimi Djabaté was raised in Tabato, Guinea-Bissau, a village known for its griots, hereditary singer-poets whose songs of praise and tales of history and legends play an essential role in Africa’s musical life. Now based in Lisbon, Portugal, Djabaté has collaborated with many other exceptional musicians, including Mory Kanté, Waldemar Bastos and Netos de Gumbé, among others. In 2005, Djabaté independently released his first solo album, "Teriké," followed by "Karam" in 2009, which was released by Cumbancha and met with resounding praise. His third album, "Kanamalu," came out in 2016. Djabaté’s albums pay tribute to his griot heritage and the spirit of Africa, laying a foundation for his latest musical masterpiece, "Dindin," which was released by Cumbancha in February 2023. Recently, Djabaté has worked with the pop star Madonna, who moved to Lisbon in 2017 and become entranced with the vibrant Afro-Portuguese music scene. She credits Djabaté with introducing her to the distinctive sound of gumbé music, which she then became committed to sharing with her millions of fans. In 2019, Djabaté was a featured singer on her song “Ciao Bella,” and continues to strengthen his friendship with Madonna through their mutual love of African rhythms. Continuously optimistic about the power of music and its message to create a better future for Africans, Djabaté’s magical songs remain uplifting and hopeful even as they reflect on contemporary struggles and challenges.