Born in Tambacounda, in eastern Senegal, into a large griot family, Kara Diabaté grew up surrounded by music.
From an early age, he was fascinated by percussion thanks to the influence of his uncles, although he soon made the guitar and bass his favourite instruments.
From a very young age, he began sharing the stage with great artists, learning his craft through traditional rhythms and contemporary sounds.
Over time, his talent led him to become a composer and arranger, participating in countless recordings and tours in Africa and beyond.
Throughout his career, he has accompanied iconic voices such as Aida Samb, Abdou Guitte Seck, Fatou Guewel Diouf, Sidi Diouf, Bass Thioung, Ibro Nadio, Noumoucounda Cissokho, Djiby Drame and Solo Cissokho, and has also collaborated with international figures such as Ami Koita and Babani Koné from Mali, Alphadio Dara and Thierno Mamadou from Guinea, as well as the Senegalese-English Diabel Cissokho.
A singer, multi-instrumentalist, bassist, composer and arranger, Kara combines his solid vocal technique and mastery of the guitar, bass and African percussion with an ability to improvise and draw inspiration from African traditions and jazz. His original melodies and poetic lyrics convey emotion and commitment, connecting with the hearts and souls of his listeners. His music reflects a bridge between African roots and new influences, always carrying with it the essence of his homeland.
This project is presented in two formats:
- FULL BAND
consisting of saxophone, drums, bass, keyboard, guitar, percussion and vocals.
- ACOUSTIC FORMAT
with two guitars, percussion and vocals.
Its essence is based on the fusion of popular musical traditions with African influences and world sounds, giving rise to a unique artistic identity.
The roots of the project lie in Mandinka culture, linked to the Kriot tradition, which has passed down music as a cultural heritage for generations.
Building on this foundation, the project seeks to develop its own style that combines the richness of tradition with contemporary genres such as reggae, funk, blues, jazz and folk.
The result is a musical journey that celebrates diversity, musical fusion and the power of world rhythms.
KARA
MOUSSA
PAPI
ANNA
MAX
PABLO
JEAN
An energetic band, ideal for events where the audience wants to participate and interact.
With powerful sound and infectious rhythms, the band unleashes all its energy on stage, creating a vibrant experience that invites you to dance and experience the music intensely.
Each musician brings their own personality and dynamism, resulting in a show full of improvisation, electrifying solos and moments of direct connection with the audience.
This format offers a visually and sonically striking performance, perfect for festivals, outdoor concerts, mass celebrations or any night where the party takes centre stage and the collective energy becomes part of the show.
A more intimate and elegant proposal, ideal for small spaces or close-knit situations.
In this format, the band reduces the volume and opts for more subtle arrangements, allowing each instrument to breathe and the voices to be heard with complete clarity.
The warm and delicate sounds create a welcoming and enveloping atmosphere, perfect for clubs, restaurants, openings or private events where the music accompanies without imposing itself, adding a touch of distinction and creating a climate conducive to conversation and connection between guests.
It is the ideal choice for those seeking a quality musical experience that integrates naturally into the moment, generating emotions without losing the essence of the live performance.
Originally from Tambacounda (Senegal) and a member of a griot family, Kara Diabaté grew up surrounded by music and found his favourite instruments in the guitar and bass.
Trained at the National School of Arts in Dakar, he has accompanied great voices from Senegal, Mali and Guinea, including Aida Samb, Fatou Guewel Diouf, Ami Koita and Babani Koné.
His style blends African tradition and jazz, and is distinguished by original melodies and poetic lyrics that convey emotion and commitment, creating a bridge between his roots and new influences.
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Lamine ‘Papi’ Dieng, Senegalese drummer and composer, grew up under the influence of his uncle, a renowned percussionist, and has been immersed in music since childhood.
He has accompanied great voices such as Omar Péne, Youssou N'Dour and Carlou D, representing the authenticity of Senegalese music of the 1990s.
Trained at the Douta Seck Cultural Centre and with more than 15 years of experience, he currently collaborates with Alassane Badboy in the creation of new sounds with African roots.
An international artist, he has participated in festivals and showcases such as Dakar Music Expo, Stereo Africa, Saint Louis Jazz Festival and Sofar Sounds.
Max Alessandrini, an Italian saxophonist living in Barcelona, specialises in the alto saxophone and has performed in Spain, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy and Japan.
Founder of the band Funk Sinatra in the 1990s, he regularly plays in clubs such as Marula Café, Jamboree and Casa Figari in Barcelona.
Since 2009, he has been collaborating with French DJs on projects that fuse jazz and electronic music, and in Japan he has formed a trio with Toshiro Miyawaki and Satashi Miyashita.
He has also recently been collaborating with singer and keyboardist Lucho Angelino, exploring new sounds and musical experiences.
A highly versatile Andalusian guitarist, specialising in traditional American styles such as finger-picking, western swing, soul, blues, country and jazz.
He trained at the conservatories of Almería and Málaga, receiving lessons from Enrique Oliver and Diego García ‘El Twanguero’, and completed his higher studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory, where he performed in projects and festivals such as North Sea Jazz alongside artists such as Joey DeFrancesco and Toto.
He currently resides in Barcelona, participates in groups such as The Excitements and performs at leading festivals and venues —Jazzaldia in Donosti, Café Berlín, Sala Apolo, New Morning— with tours in Spain, France, Holland and Germany.
French pianist, keyboardist, and vocalist.
Born in Nantes, he was always surrounded by music in his family environment. He began studying classical piano, and then singing in performance classes.
He trained in modern piano at the Liceu Conservatory in Barcelona, where he completed his degree in jazz and modern music performance in 2024.
A versatile musician, he has played in several very different projects in Barcelona and France, from a burlesque play to composing music for a short film.
His current projects, in addition to Afri-Kang, include the hip hop fusion band Trip Hole, which is preparing its second album; the Dueto Bato Malley, which plays acoustic versions of pop, jazz, and indie music; and his solo project as a singer-songwriter, which he develops on the streets of Barcelona.
Born into a large family of musicians, Anna grew up surrounded by rhythm and melody.
Her father, a renowned percussion teacher who has toured all over the world, and her mother, a singer and dancer, instilled in her a passion for music from an early age.
With this legacy, Anna has rhythm in her blood and brings to Kara & Afri-Kang a natural energy that connects tradition and modernity.