Alpha Yaya Diallo

Alpha Yaya Diallo, a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader born in Guinea and now residing in Vancouver, Canada (pronounced "Jallow"), merges the West African guitar traditions of the Mandigos and Foulahs with contemporary jazz influences. He formed the band Baffing in 1992 and, alongside its members, has carried the sounds of his homeland onto global stages. Diallo started on guitar at age 12 and first drew notice while fronting the Sons of Rais, the ensemble tied to the University of Conakry. After completing his studies, he appeared with several West African acts, among them Love Systems, Kaloum Star, and Sorsonet Rhythm. He relocated to Europe in the mid-1980s and served as guitarist for the worldbeat outfit Fatala on Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD tour. Once he moved to Canada and assembled his own group, Diallo set about building his reputation as a bandleader. His second album, Futur, earned a Juno award, Canada’s equivalent to the Grammy. Diallo performs his songs—lyrics that touch on social concerns and the human spirit—in Sous Sous, Malinke, Foulagh, French, and English.