Madina N’Diaye biography

Lead by her love for ÒMandinguesÓ tunes, Madina NÕDiaye, holds and claims an original status in the West-Africa musical landscape.

She is today, the only Malian woman on stage, accompanied by a Cora, one of the most emblematic instrument in the Malian musical heritage.

Armed with her instrument, her compositions and her commitments for the womenÕs cause, Madina opens the way to a new phenomenon in Malia: Women access to musical instruments usually used by men or by the ÒgriotsÓ caste.

Despite some traditionalistsÕ wrath, she made herself known as a talented author-compositor-performer. Trained by well known master like Toumani DiabatŽ or DjŽlimadi Cissoko she carries on her initiation by herself.

Two years ago Madina lost her eyesight because of a serious infection. Despite her handicap, she did not stop the rehearsals and give us today a first ÒradiantÓ album listen toÉ