Kasse Mady’s family, the Diabates of Kela, were the traditional singers for the emperors and their descendants of the royal Keita lineages. They can trace their role back 700 years and are still considered among the most important and authoritative jeli (praise-singer) families across the seven West African countries (where Mande culture predominates). Kasse has been recognised as one of West Africa’s greatest voices for over 35 years, and one of the most cherished singers in Mali.