Aba Diop and The Yermande Family

At first glance, master sabar percussionist Aba Diop may seem like a “new arrival” on the global music stage—an unknown name out of Senegal suddenly appearing alongside luminaries like John Medeski and Yussef Dayes. But to call Aba new is to overlook an extraordinary lifetime of tradition, mastery, and devotion to the sabar drum. Born into an unbroken lineage of griots in Dakar, Senegal, Aba carries centuries of sacred musical knowledge in his hands.

Now joined by a powerhouse ensemble of fellow griot artists and global collaborators, Aba Diop & the Yermande Family’s full-length release Family doesn’t just introduce their sound, it affirms sabar as a rhythmic language that has shaped music across continents and centuries, and continues to shape what comes next. The group takes its name from the Wolof word “Yermande,” which means compassion, care for others, and deep respect for community. It pervades the music and performances in a tangible way; this music is medicine for our times.