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Alpha Yaya Diallo: Beautiful Energy

Interview
Photo Credit: Alistair Eagle

We reach Alpha Yaya Diallo while he’s in Montreal to play the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique. The JUNO-winning guitarist and singer, originally from Guinea in West Africa, tours extensively every year, and will have a stop at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in August before heading to Europe for more tour dates.

He’s been to Edmonton Folk Fest numerous times, and says he enjoys playing festival shows. “I like playing outside. When you play outside, you can play to a bigger crowd.” And, he says, “Festivals give musicians more exposure. People come to hear the music, but they might not  know the lineup. Then they might look for your music afterwards if they like it!”

Prepare for a rich, full sound when Diallo plays in Edmonton. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who plays a variety of guitars and a traditional African marimba called the balafon. Plus, he says, “I’m bringing a full band with me!” To cap it off, Diallo writes all his own compositions and sings with a beautiful, melodic voice.

Diallo was touring Canada more than twenty years ago when he made a big personal and professional leap. “I was touring. Vancouver was the last show on the tour, and at the end of the tour I decided to stay.” He’s lived on the west coast ever since.

His most recent album, Doye Doye, dropped in 2023. Diallo describes it as “Afro-pop.” It’s an energetic exploration of sound that confirms that the musical borders of the past are gone. The album has flavours of funk, blues, and soul, influenced by musicians and styles from all over the world.

Alpha Yaya Diallo is happy to return to the Edmonton Folk Fest. He’ll surely meet some fans and make some new ones. “We play danceable music. We give beautiful energy, from music that’s  based on traditional and contemporary African styles.”

Alpha Yaya Diallo and his band will be at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 8 – 11. Find the schedule of workshops at edmontonfolkfest.org

Hear the title track from Doye Doye