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Cheikh Hamala Diabaté shines once again at the Richmond Folk Festival


Our official VFoM GRIOT was once again prominent at the Folk Festival, leading a “panel” of guitarists. CHD was overwhelmingly the most impressive musician on stage. What he can do with the guitar is remarkable: he makes it talk ! It took about 90 seconds for the American leader of the panel to cede the leadership to CHD, in whom he instinctively recognized a superior talent both stagecraft and in the musician’s craft. Every time there is a Malian band, it is outstandingly the most popular item in the Festival. Lisa Sims: bring us a full Malian orchestra every year and 500 people are dancing instantly. More Malian musicians in Richmond, PLEASE !

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