Sona Diabate

Sona Diabaté is a celebrated Guinean singer and musician, born in 1959 in Tiro, Guinea. A prominent figure in West African music, she is renowned for blending traditional Guinean sounds with contemporary influences, creating a rich and distinctive musical identity.

Born into a prestigious griot family, Sona was trained from an early age by her father, Hadj Djeli Fodé Diabaté, who nurtured her vocal ability and introduced her to traditional instruments such as the balafon. She first rose to prominence as a member of Les Amazones de Guinée, Africa’s first all-female orchestra, before establishing a successful solo career.

Her discography includes acclaimed projects such as Terra 106 – Sahel, Kankele-Ti, and Gare-Gare, while standout tracks like “Tamale,” “Ile Ndiarabi,” and “Afric Univers” have contributed to her international recognition. Over the years, she has collaborated with renowned artists including Youssou N’Dour and Angélique Kidjo, as well as contemporary producers such as Kuniyuki Takahashi, Mr. Raoul K, and Rancido.

With a career rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, Sona Diabaté continues to serve as a vital ambassador of Guinean musical heritage on the global stage.