Djeli Moussa Diabate was one of the finest dancers with the National Ballets of Guinea (Africa) and was artistic director for National Ballet Silimbo of Senegal for many years. He is a master dancer, drummer and musician and has toured Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S.A. He also performed on Broadway (New York City), at Yale Repertory Theater and at Brooklyn Academy of Music. 

Moussa is the son of the Chief of the Djelis, El Hadj Komba Ansou Diabate of Conakry, Guinea in West Africa. El Hadj Komba Ansou Diabate for more than 35 years was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble and composer of the Guinea National Anthem. 

Moussa has trained and toured with the National Ballet Djoliba and the National Theatre of Dakar’s Ballet Silimbo. A former lead dancer for the Troupe Federale de Conakry III National Ballet of Guinea, Moussa has been a dancer all his life. 

Moussa came to the United States teaching traditional performing arts and worked on Broadway in George C. Wolfe’s production of The Tempest and worked as assistant choreographer and consultant for Savion Glover’s hit show, “Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk.” 

His life and membership with the great ballets of Guinea, such as Les Ballet Africain has made him one of the most respected teachers in the world. Since 1987 Mr. Diabate has choreographed, performed, lectured and taught extensively in the U.S., Japan, France and West Africa.   He is the founder and artistic director of Djely Kunda West African Dance Company.   Moussa currently maintains residency in Dallas, Texas.