Fodé Lassana Diabaté (born 1971) is a Malian balafon virtuoso from a griot family who began playing at age five under his father Djelisory Diabaté. Raised in Guinea and later based in Mali, he built his reputation through work with Toumani Diabaté's Symmetric Orchestra and the Grammy-nominated Afrocubism project, and is widely regarded as the foremost balafonist of his generation. As musical director of Trio Da Kali, he leads efforts to revive forgotten repertoires of the Mande jeli tradition.
Diabaté released the debut album of his new trio Guitari Baro on September 26, 2025 via Chrysalis Global, the first new artist release on that label.
The first single 'Mamelles' by Guitari Baro was released on July 30, 2025, ahead of the full album.
Trio Da Kali released the debut album Bagola on February 28, 2025 via One World Records, featuring newly composed pieces on balafon and ngoni bass.
Guitari Baro announces a European tour for late 2025 and spring 2026.
Afropop Worldwide published an audio review of the Guitari Baro debut album and called the trio a sensation after their live performance at the Dakar Music Expo 2025.
