Kimi Djabaté (Guinea-Bissau)

Kimi Djabaté, born in 1975, in Tabato, Guinea-Bissau, a village famed for its griots (hereditary singer-poets), was raised in a family of professional musicians. Recognized as a prodigy, he began playing the balafón, an African xylophone, at age three and soon mastered various traditional instruments as well as the guitar. After over 15 years living in Lisbon, Portugal, Djabaté remains deeply connected to his roots while infusing his music with new influences. He has collaborated with Mory Kanté, Waldemar Bastos, and pop icon Madonna on the single “Ciao Bella.” His most recent album, Dindin (2023), was released on the Cumbancha label.

Featured Songs:

On the haunting song “Ná” (Mother), featured on Putumayo's African Yoga & Global Dinner Party, Djabaté sings a song of a solace to his late mother. “I don’t want to see you cry / Since the world exists / There are always those who are celebrating / And those who are in pain / But don’t cry / Accept everything you had in this world / Don’t let it bother you / Tomorrow is another day.”

The Reggae Odyssey song, “Afonhe” (Tell Me), encourages people to be more open and loving with each other to foster empathy. Clear communication and mutual trust can help avoid future complications and create long and lasting friendships. “Tell me, tell me about you / Tell me what you think / Tell me what you feel / Tell me what you want / Be truthful and everything is going to be fine.”

“Yensoro” (You Had Me) is a poignant meditation on lost love and the sadness of missed timing. Showcased on Afro-Portuguesa, Kimi recalls a relationship that ended too soon: “You had me in your hands / I had you in mine / But you didn’t wait.” Set to a gentle rhythm of congas and shakers, the song reflects on how unknowable the future is: “No one knows what will come tomorrow.” With quiet sorrow, he urges patience and acceptance: “Everything has its time / Oh, what a pity.”

The African Sojourn track “Kodé” (Where Do You Take My Heart?) was written by Milton Gulli for his Afro-Portuguese band Cacique’97, who recorded it with Djabaté and kora player Braima Galissa. Djabaté contributed his own lyrics, sang, and played balafón over Gulli’s composition, and later included the song on his own album Karam (2009), also on Cumbancha. “Where do you take my heart? / Don’t let me be away from you / I want you, my love / If I don’t see you, I don’t sleep / Don’t think less of me.”

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