A newly formed ensemble of Melbourne-based griots - West African storytellers, singers, musicians and oral historians – The Mandé Spirit members are from Mali, Gambia and Guinea. The group pays homage to the late, legendary kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, through intricate kora melodies and evocative storytelling. While celebrating the timeless artistry of Diabaté, the group offers a vibrant new interpretation for contemporary audiences. This exciting new ensemble features Amadou Suso, a celebrated kora player from The Gambia; master percussionist Mohamed Camara from Guinea; Aboubacar Djelike Kouyate, a multi-instrumentalist from Mali, specialising in the calabash and kamale ngoni; and virtuoso drummer and balafonist, Bassidi Koné. Added to this is the powerful, soulful voice of Aminata Doumbia (with roots in Mali), which brings an emotive depth to the music and ensures the group captures the essence of the Mandé peoples, language and tradition.