The very first Diabate (originally Dian-baga-te = the irresistible) was mentioned in the Sundiata epic in the 13th century. We are still devoted to this profession and, therefore there are lot of Diabates on the top of the West African music scene. The Diabates in the north-western Mande area (Mali, Senegal, Gambia) mainly play the kora (a harp-lute), we in the Southeast (Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso) rather the balafon (a xylophone).
With the "other" Mamadou Diabate (Mali/USA) in Vienna.