INTERVIEW - Kanazoé Orkestra - Seydou Diabaté - Laurent Planells - Nuits d'Afrique Montréal

The leader of the Kanazoé Orkestra is named Seydou Diabaté. If you have even a passing familiarity with the social structure of West African peoples, you probably know that the name Diabaté is closely associated with the art of the Griots, the keepers of knowledge, history, and culture essential to the smooth functioning of society. Entire families have been dedicated to this art (primarily music) for centuries, in some cases, like the Diabaté family. So, while his friends went to play football, young Seydou had to get up early and practice his instrument (the balafon, a traditional xylophone) and go play it all over the neighboring villages. As a result, Seydou is a virtuoso who cherishes the precious moments spent with his father, even though sometimes he wishes he had gone to play with his friends. Having arrived in Toulouse a few years ago, he quickly assembled a group of musicians from Africa and France to explore the fusion of traditional styles, as well as jazz, Afrobeat, groove, and electronic music. Those attending the Nuits d’Afrique International Festival can enjoy the Kanazoé Orkestra’s danceable and vibrant mix on July 14th, free of charge, on the TD Stage. On the eve of the group’s first visit to Montreal, I spoke with Seydou and the group’s drummer (and manager), Laurent Planells.