Passion or Profession: Musician

Period: 1950–

Kanté has achieved international success as a performer of the kora, a lute-harp with strings stretched across a gourd. Born near Kissidougou, Kanté began his musical career in the 1970s with Bamako's Rail Band, singing and playing the guitar and balfon (a type of xylophone). He also learned to play the kora during this period. In 1984, Kanté moved to France and became a star when his 1988 single, “Yéké Yéké,” reached the top of the European music charts. He has since recorded several albums, including 2004's Sabou.