Guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, Canada, he's earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows - whether performing solo or with his band Bafing.
=0D=0A=Diallo is a uniquely multi-talented artist. His dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of African axemen. In addition, he is a skilled and experienced performer on a variety of percussion instruments, and on the balafon (traditional wooden xylphone). To complete the abundance of riches Diallo writes his own compositions, and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice.
Diallo released his first solo album in 1993, Nene, which was nominated for a Juno award, as was his 1996 album Futur. He won his first Juno, for The Message in 1999 in the "Best World Music Album" category. He received further Junos in 2002 (for The Journey) and in 2004 with the African Guitar Summit compilation.
Diallo incorporates Guinea's rich musical tradition into his original compositions. He won the Best World Artist-Solo at the inaugural Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2006 He produced a film documentary entitled Best of Both Worlds, which was filmed in West Africa, Canada and France.
Watch the video HERE.
=0D=0A=Tickets available at the Port Theatre Box office:
http://www.porttheatre.com/index.php/events/feb-2015/alpha-yaya-diallo-at-the-queens/