Born in 1964, Sekouba "Bambino" Diabate is a leading light of Guinean music. After being noticed in various local groups, Diabate won the Best Guinean Singer Award in 1979 and was asked to join Bembeya Jazz. The nickname Bambino came from his time there, born of a need to distinguish him from Sekou Bembeya Diabate, the group's guitar virtuoso. After embarking on a solo career, Diabate had his first major success with his 1992 album Le Destin. In 1997, Diabate took part in Ibrahima Sylla's Africando project, a unique artistic experience that took the singer around the world and connected him with Latin music. With Innovation, Diabate's life experiences and wide ranging influences come together in a dance-friendly album that never forsakes his roots.