Toumani Diabate, whom sadly passed away in July of 2024 (described as “a bold and innovative musical visionary” in The Times’ obituary), was a master player of the Kora, a 21-stringed African harp. His debut album, Kaira, was first released in 1988 and remains one of the most important and influential kora albums of all time.

The album turned Toumani into a star overnight, whilst also establishing the kora’s reputation as one of Africa’s most captivating and versatile indigenous instruments.

Kaira is now reissued on vinyl for the first time, as part of Chrysalis Records’ acclaimed series of reissues of the music of Toumani Diabaté.

Remastered from the production masters by Phil Kinrade, and cut by Jasper Ward, at AIR Mastering. Pressed on 180g vinyl and housed in a poly-lined inner sleeve. The album is accompanied by a 12″ x 12″ double-sided insert with new sleeve notes and previously unseen photographs by co-producer Lucy Durán.