COMPOSERS: Ablaye Ndiaye
LABELS: Thiossane
ALBUM TITLE: Thiossane
WORKS: Thiossane
PERFORMER: Ablaye Ndiaye
CATALOGUE NO: 1209108
Cuban music has long had a huge influence in West Africa, and that’s clear on the lovely debut by Senegalese veteran ABLAYE NDIAYE THIOSSANE. This self-taught 70-something singer, composer, playwright and painter has only recently released his debut solo album, and not before time. Thiossane has a mellow singing style and a mature, husky voice. Having formerly sung with the revered Orchestra Baobab, Thiossane was well-placed to rope in a few prominent members of the recently reformed group as special guests. These include Congolese guitarist Papa Noel and Africando’s Medoune Diallo. In the manner of Baobab’s music, this is an album that swings and sways through a rich variety of styles, with the mostly relaxed Afro-Cuban influences leavened by occasional fiery forays into Senegal’s mbalax dance music. Fans of compatriots Cheikh Lô, early Étoile de Dakar and Baobab will relish it.
Jon Lusk