A member of the Malian familial tradition of the griot (or jeli, as they are known to the Mandinga of West Africa), kora virtuoso Mamadou Diabate is a link in the chain of oral historians that stretches back to the 13th century. Using music and oratory skills to preserve the history of their people, the griot are given special designation within their society as the bearers of a precious cultural legacy that unites the traditions of most of West Africa. Taking after his father, Djelimory Diabate, who himself rose to prominence as a kora player for the Instrumental Ensemble of Mali, Mamadou learned the complex process of tuning the 21-stringed instrument and soon began to spend so much time with it that his mother took it from him to force him to focus on his studies. His obsession had taken such a hold, however, that he simply set out to make his own. By the age of 15, he had become so accomplished that he was a much sought-after musician for weddings and baptisms, had won numerous competitions, performed in front of dignitaries, and had become something of a regional celebrity.