Juno Award winner plays at CNIS event

Alpha Yaya Diallo performing at the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics

3-time Juno award winner Alpha Yaya Diallo and his band will perform at A Night in Magical Timbuktu, CNIS Vancouver gala fundraiser on May 6th.

Alpha is said to be amongst “the most exciting and appealing African artists to ever hit the US”. Originally from Guinea in West Africa, Alpha is now based in Vancouver, Canada. He has earned a matchless reputation internationally for his extraordinary talent and exciting live shows – whether performing solo or with his band Bafing. Diallo is a uniquely multi-talented artist. His dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, place him in the front ranks of African axemen. He is a skilled and experienced performer on a variety of percussion instruments, and on the balafon (traditional wooden xylphone). Diallo writes his own compositions, and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice.

The evening will also feature dancer Jacky Essombe. Originally from Cameroon, Jacky Essombe grew up in Paris and now lives in Vancouver. She has toured in Canada, the United States and Europe with major recording artists and has appeared on television and radio in Canada and France.

Jacky Essombe will perform at A Night in Magical Timbuktu

A true ambassador of the African culture, Jacky’s passion for her culture inspired her to become a professional dancer, dance teacher, storyteller, trainer and speaker and a TV and radio show host.

A Night in Magical Timbuktu will be held at Granville Island’s Performance Works to an exclusive 130 guests. The $100 tickets include a gourmet meal sit down dinner, welcome drinks and your $60 tax receipt. Company tables for 8 cost $800 (with a $480 tax receipt).

For more information, go to: www.timbuktunight.com

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