Ramata Diakite
Encyclopedia
Ramata Diakite is a Malian Wassoulou
musician. She died October 30, 2009 in Burkina Faso.
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.
Ramata died on October 30, 2009 in Burkina Faso of complications related to a year long battle with Hepatitis A.
Wassoulou music
Wassoulou is a genre of West African popular music, named after the region of Wassoulou. It is performed mostly by women, using lyrics that address women's issues regarding childbearing, fertility and polygamy...
musician. She died October 30, 2009 in Burkina Faso.
Life & Origins
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.
Ramata died on October 30, 2009 in Burkina Faso of complications related to a year long battle with Hepatitis A.
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, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ben Harper,and djeneba diakite and others.Discography
- 2008: Burutumu (to be released)
- 2006: Maba
- 2004: I Danse
- 2003: Djonya
- 2000: Confirmation
- 1998: Na
- 1995: Artistes