Kocassalé Dioubaté (pronounced Coca-SA-lay Dee-ou-BAT-ay) is a Guinean of the Mandingo tribe of West Africa. A descendant of the tribe's "Griots" - traditional storytellers and musicians; the keepers of the tribe's oral history - Koca has been dancing, playing and making music since he was old enough to walk.
He was named after his grandfather, who was a musician in the very first national troupe of Guinea (Les Ballets Africains Ballets Nationale de Guinée) under the guidance of the great Guinean musician Koca Bangora. From these men, Kocassalé learned to play and build the traditional instruments of their tribe.
He honed his drumming skills playing with his father, Lansana Dioubaté - a percussionist and singer - at ceremonies and events all over Guinea.
Career highlights to date include playing as Head Drummer for Ballet Kaloum Lolé in Guinea, soloist for Ballet Bougarabou in Senegal, recording with renowned drummer Moussa M'Boum in the Gambia and playing with Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour. Since arriving in Canada in May of 2005, he has joined three-time Juno winner Alpha Yaya Diallo's band Bafing, playing shows all over Canada.