Yacouba Diabate was born in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where his family members were well known as griots and musicians. As a young adult, he studied the kora in Mali with renowned kora master, Toumani Diabate. He has since brought his music to France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Belgium, as well as the United States In addition to teaching music to both young people and adults, Diabate makes and sells traditional African string and percussion instruments. He performs both as a solo artist and with his group the Dounouya Band. He has played at small venues, festivals, shows, and private events, and performed for several world leaders at the United Nations.