Famoro Dioubate is the grandson of El Hadj Djeli Sory Kouyate, an African balafon giant. Dioubate’s new CD Kakande:Dununya (Jumbie) features his alternately assertive and fluid balafon playing in a setting that’s both musically and linguistically (three languages spoken) diverse.

The balafon can be employed as a striking melodic instrument one moment, then a dynamic rhythmic one the next, and Dioubate’s skilled in either capacity. He also has an effective singing voice as well, and has written the lyrics for such songs as “Bani,” “Mariama Traore” and “Nina Kaba.” His solos are sometimes backed by a full band with guitars, flutes, cellos and multiple percussionists. Other times the songs are sparse works with lean rhythms and textures.

There’s also some shattering lead vocals offered from Missia Saran Dioubate, and other contributions from several topflight musicians.

While this session represents the latest in African music, it was produced and recorded in New York City, a site that’s increasingly becoming a prime one for African sessions as well as jazz, rock and pop.