Originally from West Africa, now BC-based guitarist, singer and three-time JUNO-winner, Alpha Yaya Diallo has earned a global reputation for the excellence of his musicianship, as well as for successfully uniting the traditional and the contemporary. Growing up, Diallo was exposed to a variety of cultures, absorbing musical traditions and influences from the Malenke, Sousou, his own Foulani people and others. In addition, he spent time in neighbouring Senegal and picked up the popular and powerful mbalax rhythm there – as well as influences from Cape Verde and the Caribbean.

Diallo’s musical inheritance is something he always nurtures and builds upon. He never strays far from these roots, while at the same time ensuring that his performances and his albums make use of the very latest advances in music technology.

Today, performing in French, English and his native Guinean languages of Fpulani, Malinke, and Sosoxi, Diallo’s dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves places him in the front ranks of both African and Canadian musicians.