April 2 Montreal / April 3 Toronto
Kimi Djabaté is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer from Guinea-Bissau whose music weaves a vibrant connection between the griot traditions of West Africa and contemporary influences. Born in the village of Tabato into a renowned family of jeli musicians, he grew up to the rhythm of the balafon and the kora before expanding his universe to include the guitar and percussion.
This profound cultural heritage nourishes a musical expression that is both authentic and universal, imbued with emotion and spirituality. At nineteen, he began international tours with the National Ensemble of Music and Dance of Guinea-Bissau, then settled in Lisbon, where he became a major figure on the Afro-Portuguese scene. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists such as Mory Kanté, Waldemar Bastos, Netos de Gumbé, and Madonna.
His repertoire blends gumbé, afrobeat, morna, blues, and folk to explore themes of freedom, resilience, and human connection. On stage, Kimi Djabaté exudes a warm and generous presence, captivating the audience with his groove, expressive voice, and sense of sharing.
