Idrissa Diop

His new album 'Concscience Collective' released through Mikeli Music (Mikeli Music / CD MIK005) Carlos Santana was asked, "What kind of music is exciting you now?" He replied: "One artist who really has my attention is Idrissa Diop and his group. He is a vocalist and percussionist from Senegal who has been living in France for the last twenty years. I haven't heard anything like them - their music is so powerful and filled with vitality and newness." - European 2000 Tour Programme of Carlos Santana - IDRISSA DIOP unveils his brand new album, 'Conscience Collective' through Mikeli Music. Born in Senegal, Idrissa has taken the traditional music of Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean, and fused it with his deep passion for jazz and funk. From his native city of Dakar, Idrissa has gone on to take his eclectic mix of African-flavoured jazz to a global arena with hundreds of concerts worldwide, both with his own band Sixun and contributing his percussion skills to other artists' music, most recently on the acclaimed St. Germain album, 'Tourist'. The Senegalese percussionist and musician has always been fascinated with diverse meeting points of musical styles. The seeds were sown when the teenage boy was introduced to jazz greats like Mingus and Coltrane by his globetrotting sister. Already an accomplished djembe player (the hourglass shaped drum), Idrissa went on to hone his craft in the live arena, venturing out into the clubs of Dakar. At a time when jazz was virtually unknown in Senegal, Idrissa went on to make it his mission to open up this exciting genre to the mainstream. The pioneering percussionist was also one of the first musicians to bring the exotic sound of the djembe to French audiences with his band Sixun. Although Idrissa would describe himself as non-political, his awareness of social issues has frequently spilled over into positive action. When the black activist Fela Kuti was being held prisoner in Nigeria, he joined with other artists to perform a benefit concert, and has never been reserved when it comes to his musical statements against apartheid, poverty and oppression. 'Conscience Collective' features a truly multi-racial line-up, with musicians from Madagascar, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Europe, and Idrissa himself, who is a mixture of the Wolof, Serere and Peul tribes. The album reflects this multicultural mix, with songs performed in English, French and Wolof dialect. Themes range from spiritual and reflective: 'Mame Bamba' ("search for the wise man in yourself") and 'Crazy Boy' ("even a fool can be wise, don't be too quick to judge"), to soulful celebrations of life and human emotions ('Yeli'). Opening track 'Color' ("respect for yourself and the colour of your skin; believe in what God gave you") is an organic fusion that embraces the very essence of Idrissa's Senegal roots. The track also hit the UK dancefloor this summer, when it was remixed by Different Gear Productions (fresh from their dealings with the Police track, 'When the World is Running Down'), adding some Deep House grooves and instantly catching the attention of top DJs Allister Whitehead and Graeme Parks. Deeply impactful social and political themes also feature strongly on the album, such as 'Ile de Gorée' about the small island just off Dakar which was used as an horrific 'warehouse' for the slave trade. A deeply symbolic place for the African people, Idrissa says its history is "to be regretted, but not forgotten". Now settled in France, Idrissa's strong ties to his home country took him back to his roots for the millennium, when he was chosen by the people of Senegal to represent his country in the BBC's worldwide Millennium Broadcast. Idrissa performed 'Niani Lat Dior', the hundred-year-old story of an ordinary villager who became a folk hero when he prevented the destruction of his village by stopping the building of a railway line. 'Conscience Collective' is a celebration of life through music and rhythm, exuding a feeling of pure joy and energy throughout. If Idrissa could sum up his attitude in just one phrase, it would probably be "never, never give up", an attitude that has sustained him throughout his life. 'Conscience Collective' is the latest release from French label Mikeli Music who took up residency in London this summer, and have already been making their mark with enthusiastically-received releases from François Moity and Ravi Prasad. Check out the Mikeli Music website at www.mikelimusic.com For more info: Petrina at Work Hard on 020 8769 6713 020 8677 8466 petrina@workhardpr.com Top