Sidiki

Sidiki is a West African given name and, less commonly, a surname. It is masculine and most widely used among Mandé-speaking communities in Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and surrounding areas. The name appears in traditional and contemporary contexts, including music, public life, and community leadership.

In West Africa, Sidiki is associated with cultural and musical lineages, even outside formal religious or ethnic roles. The most widely known bearer is Sidiki Diabaté, a Malian singer and kora player who has gained international attention for blending traditional Malian music with modern styles. The Diabaté family is renowned in Mali for its long history of griot musicians who preserve and transmit musical and poetic heritage.

Etymology and usage of Sidiki reflect the region’s Islamic influence and regional naming practices. The exact origins are not universally agreed upon, but the name is commonly interpreted as part of broader naming patterns that incorporate Arabic-influenced elements. Today, Sidiki is used primarily as a given name and, less often, as a surname across West Africa, carried by people in various professions.