Guitari Baro
De Oosterpoort
Trompsingel 27, 9724 DA GroningenGuitari Baro is a virtuosic trio of three leading griot musicians from Guinea and Mali. Drawing from the Mande repertoire, they explore jazz, Congolese rumba, rock ’n’ roll, Guinean dance music and Cuban influences. With two guitars and a balafon, Guitari Baro brings together three African master musicians who were quite literally born into music. Renowned guitarists Gaoussou Kouyaté and Kerfala Diabaté are joined by master balafon player Lassana Diabaté.
Guitari Baro consists of three musicians with deep roots in the Mande tradition, each with a distinct musical voice and a respected griot lineage. Griots are West African custodians of oral history and musical tradition, a highly respected social class in which knowledge and artistry are passed down from generation to generation. In November 2024, the trio met for the first time and immediately recorded their debut album in Dakar.
Guitari Baro are:
Lassana Diabaté – Balafon player known for his melodic approach and collaborations across a wide range of musical genres.
Gaoussou Kouyaté – Guitarist who connects traditional West African music with blues and jazz.
Petit Kerfala Diabaté – Guitarist with a fresh, modern style, drawing on both African and Western musical influences.