Ramata Diakite (born in 1976 in Madina Diansa (Wassoulou), Mali) is a Malian Wassoulou musician. She died October 30, 2009 in Burkina Faso.
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Ramata was born in 1976. Although Ramata does not come from a family of traditional musicians, when she was about twelve, Ramata started humming to herself in secret, accompanying herself on a gourd. In Wassoulou (and other areas of Mali), music is usually created by those of a certain caste (jeli/griot, blacksmith, hunter, etc.), and it can be controversial for artists outside of these castes to perform. Salif Keita is likely the most prominent example of a non-musical-caste performer to confront and conquer adversity relating to these cultural restrictions.
Ramata's aunt, Djénéba Diakité, asked her to sing backing vocals on a cassette, which was the start of a long and dedicated musical career, even though Ramata's parents frowned on the idea. As a backing vocalist, Ramata's vocal potential was quickly spotted, and she gained valuable concert experience thanks to trips to France and throughout Africa.
She was soon called upon as a vocalist by many artists and arrangers, notably Samba Diallo, Yoro Diallo and Tenin Sidibé.
In December 1995 she recorded her first cassette (Artistes), a best seller in Mali in 1996. She gave many concerts and took part, along with Salif Keita in a Mali evening at the Cité de la Musique in Paris in October 1997.
Ramata died on October 30, 2009 in Burkina Faso of complications related to a year long battle with Hepatitis A.
Ramata Diakite is a singer in the line of Coumba Sidibe, Oumou Sangaré, and others. Ramata has performed with Salif Keita, Taj Mahal, Toumani Diabate, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ben Harper,and djeneba diakite and others.