Daby Balde
Introducing Daby Balde
World Music Network INTRO104CD
Here is a sure-fire winner and the best thing to come out of Senegal in ages. While we get to see Youssou Ndour every couple of years, even Orchestre Baobab, they belong to a style of music that is essentially Senegalese oldies. Daara J and other youngsters are going in new directions, but there is still a place for great traditional music interpreted by younger musicians that is neither Mbalax, salsa, nor hip hop hybrids. Balde is in his thirties and hails from Cassamance in the south of the country. Cassamance is situated between Gambia and Guinea-Bissau and is cut off from Northern Senegal. Historically, it had extensive dealings with Portugal rather than France and so has an unique musical heritage (remember Toure Kunda!?). Balde was drawn to music at an early age but his parents objected, so he went into exile, driving taxis in neighbouring countries while writing songs and learning to play guitar. His interest in the Fulani roots and culture of his homeland is paramount and he has begun to share his passion in concerts in Dakar and in Belgium. He sings in Mandinka and Wolof, as well as Fula, the choice of language calculated for maximum effect in the type of song he is performing. His electric band is augmented by Europeans on violin, accordion and sax and they blend nicely in with the kora, guitars and percussion. The fiddler is Wouter Vandenabeele who has a real affinity for the songs. Balde has a fine voice and is an excellent writer and arranger. There's uncredited flute and good djembe playing on here. It's a mellow, thoughtful album and very engaging. Though his stated aim is to spread traditional music to young Senegalese, I predict he will find a widening international audience hungry for the same thing. --Alastair Johnston