- Ramata Diakite
Ramata Diakite (born in 1976 in Madina Diansa (Wassoulou),
Mali ) is a Malian Wassoulou musician.Early Life
Ramata was born in 1976.Although Ramata does not come from a family of traditional musicians, when she was about twelve, Ramata started humming to herself in secret, accompanying herself on a gourd. In Wassoulou (and other areas of Mali), music is usually created by those of a certain caste (jeli/griot, blacksmith, hunter, etc), and it can be controversial for artists outside of these castes to perform. Salif Keita is likely the most prominent example of a non-musical-caste performer to confront and conquer adversity relating to these cultural restrictions.
Ramata's aunt, Djénéba Diakité, asked her to sing backing vocals on a cassette, which was the start of a long and dedicated musical career, even though Ramata's parents frowned on the idea. As a backing vocalist, Ramata's vocal potential was quickly spotted, and she gained valuable concert experience thanks to trips to France and throughout Africa.
She was soon called upon as a vocalist by many artists and arrangers, notably Samba Diallo, Yoro Diallo and Tenin Sidibé.
In December 1995 she recorded her first cassette (Artistes), a best seller in Mali in 1996. She gave many concerts and took part, along with Salif Keita in a Mali evening at the Cité de la Musique in Paris in October 1997.
Music
Ramata Diakite is a singer in the line of Coumba Sidibe, Oumou Sangaré, and others. Ramata has performed with Salif Keita, Taj Mahal, Toumani Diabate, Ben Harper, and others.
Discography
*2008: Burutumu (to be released fall 2008)
*2006: Maba
*2004: I Danse
*2003: Djonya
*2000: Confirmation
*1998: Na
*1995: ArtistesPrizes and awards
*2006: Tamana d'Or, Top Musician in Mali (co-winner with Salif Keita)
External links
* [http://www.ramatadiakite.com Ramata's Official Site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/ramatadiakite Ramata's MySpace]
* [http://www.organicmusic.com Ramata's Label]Notes and references
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