Michael Morin
Moussa Traore
For media inquiries, please contact Media Relations
Moussa Traore was born and raised in Bamako, Mali, in West Africa. He has been playing the djembe for over 40 years. In 1984, after completing a 12-year apprenticeship, he was deemed a master by his teacher, Sega Cisse. Traore has achieved great recognition internationally as an accomplished musician in theater, traditional Malian ceremonies, and the African pop scene. Among musicians in Bamako, Traore is considered to be one of the top djembe players in the country. He is sought after for Malian ballet performances, traditional spiritual ceremonies, and local community events.
Traore is an acclaimed teacher and performer throughout the U.S., China, and Europe, and is considered to be a master in djembe composition. He combines traditional Malian rhythms with the feel of jazz improvisation, Latin pulse, and his unique vision of what the traditional African sound can be. His charismatic teaching and performing inspire people all over the world.
An associate professor at Berklee, Traore also plays and teaches classes at Harvard University, Brown University, Roger Williams University, Wheaton College, and other schools. He offers regular community classes and private lessons, leads djembe ensembles for West African dance classes, and performs at special events and workshops across the globe.
From 1984 to 1990, Traore was selected every year to represent the region of Bamako in Le Biennal, the national competition of artists from every region in Mali. In each competition, Moussa led his group to win the highest honors.
From 1986 to 1998, he was the lead drummer of Troupe Komi Djoss in Bamako, Mali, and served as its director from 1994 to 1998. Traore brought Troupe Babemba to national recognition through the music video “Ti Samba,” which featured Traore as lead drummer and vocalist.
Since 1991, Traore has played djembe on more Malian pop albums than any other djembefola in Mali. He has recorded with such artists as Djénéba Seck, Molobaly Traoré, Za Yousouf, Nanou Coulibaly, Sabou Dorunté, and Soumaila Diallo. In the U.S., Traore has appeared with Malian singer Oumou Sangare and with blues legend Taj Mahal as part of the Africa Fete tour.
In addition to his extensive performance and recording career, Traore has established himself as an internationally respected teacher. In 1998, he was invited to France by La Nef des Musiques, a nonprofit organization endorsed by the French minister of culture that provides arts in public schools.