Balimaya at JASS CLUB

In the Mandinka languages of West Africa, Balimaya means “kinship” or “brotherhood.” It refers to an extended family gathered around the percussion duo formed by Julien André and Ibrahima Diabaté, who combine djembe, dundun, and drums.Born in 1994 in Bamako and continued in Paris, their collaboration has shaped a unique way of combining practices: from the codified framework of traditional ceremonies to the freest improvisation. Balimaya draws on Mandinka rhythms dedicated to dance; although they are not reproduced in their original form, they remain a living source of inspiration where musical voices intertwine.Around the duo, bass, saxophone, and vibraphone further expand the palette. The compositions, conceived as games, vary in groove, timbre, and dynamics, opening up a space where improvisation can flow freely....

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In the Mandinka languages of West Africa, Balimaya means “kinship” or “brotherhood.” It refers to an extended family gathered around the percussion duo formed by Julien André and Ibrahima Diabaté, who combine djembe, dundun, and drums.Born in 1994 in Bamako and continued in Paris, their collaboration has shaped a unique way of combining practices: from the codified framework of traditional ceremonies to the freest improvisation. Balimaya draws on Mandinka rhythms dedicated to dance; although they are not reproduced in their original form, they remain a living source of inspiration where musical voices intertwine.Around the duo, bass, saxophone, and vibraphone further expand the palette. The compositions, conceived as games, vary in groove, timbre, and dynamics, opening up a space where improvisation can flow freely.

Dans les langues mandingues d’Afrique de l’Ouest, Balimaya signifie “parenté”, “fraternité”. Une famille au sens large, réunie autour du duo de percussionnistes formé par Julien André et Ibrahima Diabaté, qui mêlent djembé, dundun et batterie.Née en 1994 à Bamako puis prolongée à Paris, leur collaboration a façonné une manière singulière de croiser les pratiques : du cadre codifié des cérémonies traditionnelles à l’improvisation la plus libre. Balimaya puise dans les rythmes mandingues dédiés à la danse ; s’ils ne sont pas repris dans leur forme d’origine, ils restent une source vive d’inspiration où les voix musicales s’entrelacent.Autour du duo, basse, saxophone et vibraphone élargissent encore la palette. Les compositions, pensées comme des jeux, varient grooves, timbres et dynamiques, ouvrant un espace où l’improvisation peut circuler pleinement

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