Mamadou Diabate, a master of the Balafon, delights on our stage, bringing the vibrant sun of West Africa with him. His music, as colorful as a bustling marketplace in West Africa, creates an atmosphere filled with friendship, respect, and appreciation; echoing the essence of his latest CD, “Kanuya.”

Onstage, Mamadou Diabate, along with the talented musicians of Percussion Mania, weaves a tapestry of virtuosic balafon melodies supported by powerful African rhythms and enriched by soulful African chants. The result is a complete sensory experience that compels the body to move, making it nearly impossible to remain seated.

Mamadou Diabate, now based in Vienna, is not only a masterful balafon player but also a composer, singer, and percussionist. His extensive concert tours have taken him to numerous countries and prestigious festivals, establishing him as an indispensable figure in the world music scene.

When Diabaté is on stage playing the balafon, something magical happens between him and the audience. With his tight strokes, he makes the audience move. When this… Burkinabe virtuoso is on fire and plays as fast as he can—which is really fast—the audience stands up and starts dancing. At the end of the show everybody is dancing like mad. – Bastiaan Springer, Afropop Worldwide

 

Main Floor (Assigned Seating) advance tickets $32+ s/c HERE | $37 at the door
VIP tickets (Priority seating in rows 1-6, centre section) $38 HERE | $45 at the door

Early Bird (Main floor – assigned seating only) $27 + s/c | Limited number of tickets available until February 19 | HERE

To experience Mamadou’s music is to witness the sun of West Africa shining brightly on our stage—a testament to the emotional depth and infectious energy embedded in his artistry.

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*All ages welcome. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime.  Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime.
*All main floor seating for this event is assigned. Balcony seating is general admission. Please arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to showtime to ensure time to find your seats and for snacks at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.