Solo Diarra

Solo Diarra is a musician, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Burkina Faso, based in Norway since 2010. Born into a griot family, he grew up surrounded by the music, stories and oral traditions of West Africa, where knowledge and cultural heritage are passed from one generation to the next.

Playing instruments including the ngoni, djembe, calabash, talking drum and balafon, Solo brings traditional Manding music into dialogue with jazz, improvisation, Afrobeat and contemporary musical expressions.

His debut solo album, YIMENGA (2025), released on Global Sonics, explores identity, belonging and the importance of staying true to oneself. The project brings together West African musical traditions and Nordic jazz, reflecting Solo’s journey between cultures.

Throughout his career, Solo has collaborated with artists and ensembles including Nico & Vinz, Tabanka Dance Ensemble, Adama Barry Group and Perkverket, performing at festivals and cultural venues in Norway and internationally.

Alongside his concert career, Solo has dedicated much of his artistic work to sharing music with children and communities through performances, storytelling and interactive workshops. As the founder of Foli Arts, he brings these experiences together with a simple vision: to keep African artistic traditions alive, accessible and shared across cultures and generations.