DIAKI
Diaki’s hard-thumping live electro balani show defines the quintessential African rave sound—a pulsating rhythm capable of waking the dead.
Drawing comparisons to shangaan, singeli, acholitronix, drum n’ bass, and footwork, Diaki’s performances are an atomic blend of traditional balani electrified with West African cadence. His performance style—built on laptop, mic, and drum machines—integrates influences from coupé-décalé and soukous, creating a sound both rooted and radical.
Over the past 30 years, Diaki has perfected his craft, with his career skyrocketing after a Boiler Room set at Nyege Nyege Festival 2019. Legendary DJ Marcelle hailed him as “The discovery of the century,” and his debut album on Nyege Tapes received critical acclaim, earning Album of the Month in The Guardian. Known as “Le Président,” Diaki’s electrifying sets channel ancestral rhythms and whip crowds into frenzies, whether in Berlin clubs or villages outside Bamako.
He has performed globally at festivals and venues like Roskilde Festival, Primavera Sound, Nyege Nyege Festival, Boiler Room, CTM, Garage Noord, Le Guess Who?, and Berghain, among many others. Beyond performing, Diaki co-founded and leads programming at Sanankoroba Radio.
Crashing cymbals, frenetic drums, and a relentless pace form the backbone of Diaki’s sound—stripped-down polyrhythms that transport dancers into altered states. His unstoppable energy captivates and keeps you hooked on the dance floor.