Artist Interview: MAMADOU

Tell us about yourself and your music

Mamadou Diop is from Sénégal, West Africa, bringing with him over 40 years of musical experience. As a youth, he became interested in playing music when his mother gifted him a guitar. He would go to the river at night and sit by the bridge and teach himself to play the rooted rhythms of Africa on his guitar. Today, Mamadou Diop is one of the most respected rhythm guitarists from his country and an accomplished sabar (Senegalese hand and stick) and djembe drummer. He has an extensive musical résumé and has performed with the most celebrated musicians of Sénégal, including Jimi M’Baye and Mbaye Dieye Faye in The Madison Band, (former band members of Youssou N’dour), Nicolas Menheim and Papa Seck in the band Africando, Musicians from the band Baaba Maal, and the Grand Soda Mama with whom Mamadou toured the West African countries of Sénégal, Mauritania, Cameroon, and the Ivory Coast. In Africa the expression of rhythm is used to make a connection with the soul. Mamadou expresses the virtues of African culture and, in his very personable manner, introduces participants to an understanding of life and spirit that is so prevalent in his culture.

Talk to us more about your latest release

The lastest was ”NADINE CD” and “DJIBY CD” by Lud Dust record,the contract end.. but the CD I am me Never been released..it’s a new recording

 

 

What inspired you to write this release?

Just because I AM ME.

Any plans to release a video?

We already did,maybe a better one is always welcome

 

 

Any plans to hit the road?

We been on the road a lot,but now we are getting ready for the 2017 season

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

No other band performs with such a command of African poly-rhythms and as high an energy as MAMADOU. Performing original songs and arrangements, MAMADOU has developed a unique sound that WILL GET YOU TO DANCE!! The rhythms that emanate from MAMADOU are infectious, and have to be experienced to be understood. The truly multicultural band is led by the immensely talented Mamadou Diop (pronounced ‘maa-maa-doo jop’).

Who have you been listening to lately?

My roots

Tell us about your passions

In addition to being a musician, Mamadou Diop is a valued pillar of his communities. He is President and a founding member of A3D, Inc. (African Development through Drum and Dance), a local non-profit organization that supports people in need locally in the Boston area and overseas in West Africa. Through his efforts, Mamadou has been recognized by the Art of Living Foundation and by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His band supports his efforts, with several band members being part of A3D. Learn more about this noble group of people determined to make a positive difference in the world around them.

Lastly, Mamadou is known for his unique style of painting, bringing African folklore to life on canvas with traditional scenes colorfully depicted. His art has reached around the world, with a piece even reportedly finding its way to a museum in Moscow.

What else is happening next in your world?

The world is changing faster than ever, so what does that mean? It means more opportunity than ever before.Change can often be frightening and difficult. Rather than worrying too much about the changes, seize the opportunities that are embedded in them.But remember always, when the past calls, let it go on voicemail,because it got nothing new to say or to show you..In you is the seed of greatness. Let it grow and flourish. Be the special person that you were meant to be.

Thanks for an awesome interview, Mamadou!

 

 

Connect with MAMADOU

Website: https://www.mamadou.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mamadou.Diop1

Twitter: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6XrNWLzyyonb3KXSfIibA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6XrNWLzyyonb3KXSfIibA

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mamadouband/sets/i-am-me

Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/mamadoudiop?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav#

Genres: World Music

Source: ArtistPR Indie Artist Interview