Blue Magic by Moussa Diakite

The Feature Album this week on 2SER comes from legendary Sydney-based guitarist Moussa Diakite and his third album, the radiant and uplifting Blue Magic.

Applying the veteran tag to Diakite’s and his work is an understatement. Whether it be through his membership of legendary afro-fusion group Rail Band , collaborations with fellow luminaries such as Salif Keita as well as Toumani Diabate, or extensive runs as an international touring artist, Diakite is an artist who has always evolved. 

Blue Magic was largely recored in Sydney during the pandemic before being further refined in a long-delayed return to Mali, where added traditional instrumentation was incorporated into the songs, and is an achievement in combining the sound of the “Wassoulou” style of music from the Bougouni area of Mali with contemporary directions in West African music. It’s an excellent album of funk-infused polyrhythms and afro-blues that is themed on love, unity and respect as well as reflections on the struggles of his homeland of Mali.

Blue Magic is out now via MGM on vinyl and digital.