Abdoulaye Diakite was born December 15, 1950 in Tambacounda, Senegal. He is a member of the Bamana ethnic group from Mali. The Bamana are a tribe of the Malinke (mainly in Mali and Senegal) who resisted modernization and missionary efforts. The word Bamana means "we won’t join" referring to their refusal to leave their heritage behind and remain true to their ancient beliefs and practices.

Abdoulaye Diakite is one of the last remaining Grand Masters of the djembe. Abdoulaye began drumming at the age of 7 years old. Throughout his youth, Abdoulaye was known for his natural ability on the drum. For many years he studied with his teacher Suncaru Jara from Baninko, Mali. During his studies he was blessed to play the djembe by the spirit Kaba. At age 16 Abdoulaye played at a festival in Tambacounda that would forever change his life. The Ballet National du Senegal was there looking for a djembe player who sounded like the famous djembefola Dugufana Tarawele. They found Abdoulaye. In 1966, Abdoulaye was recruited by Ballet National du Senegal. For the next 18 years he traveled the world as their lead soloist. After an extended stay with the National Ballet, upon the finish of his last world tour, Abdoulaye chose to stay in the United States and make his home- away-from-home in Oakland,CA.

For the past 15 years, Abdoulaye has been openly sharing his gifts with students all over the United States and in Japan. In particular, he has established himself as the root of djembe drumming throughout the entire bay area. Abdoulaye can be credited as the main teacher for many of Americas best hand drummers. Since moving here, Abdoulaye has founded Tambacounda Productions and co-founded the drum and dance company Ceedo. Under the Tambacounda Productions label, Abdoulaye has initiated a variety of performances and conferences that educate the public on the music of West Africa. The biggest of these events includes the Tambacounda West African Drum and Dance Camp which has been happening annually for the last 10 years. This summer camp was the first of its kind and started a tradition that has gained enormous momentum all over the country. In addition to his summer camp Abdoulaye has been taking students of the drum to his home in Tambacounda, Senegal each year in December for a drum intensive.

As an ambassador of the djembe, Abdoulaye has lived his life to share his culture with others. Through the combination of his musical talents, historical knowledge, and open hearted spirit, Abdoulaye Diakite has proven himself a true Grand Master of the Djembe.