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SENEGAL – Senegalese filmmaker Maky Madiba Sylla in Quibdó, Colombia

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It’s like a travel diary that Senegalese director Maky Madiba Sylla gives us through the story he gave us about his trip to Quibdó, 570 km from the Colombian capital Bogota. It is in Colombia, a country of stories, part of which is steeped in Africa, that the documentary film producer who loves to tell stories through his camera, tells us his story in this country that he discovers for the first time in his life. His trip is part of a film festival where he presents his latest documentary film on “Laba Sosseh”.

Maky Madiba Syll: After four days in Bogota, here I am in Quibdó, 570 km from the capital. Quibdó is a Colombian city, capital of the department of Chocó. It is one of the main cities of the Colombian Pacific and a river port located on the Atrato River. I’ve never heard of Quibdó in my life.

This invitation to present the documentary film El Maestro Laba Sosseh in such a remote corner of the planet had never crossed my mind. Unlike Bogota where there are very few Afro-descendant people, Quibdó is mostly composed of 90% black. I feel strangely in Africa, yet thousands of miles from my continent.

Unlike Bogota, the first thing that strikes is a certain poverty, because it is a place neglected by the state authorities. There is only one university for 300,000 inhabitants with a population where young people are more than 70%. If there are so many Afro people in Quibdó, it is undoubtedly because of slavery.

It is an agricultural region, but also a mining region. My meeting with Bantú has completely upset me. Throughout his life, he invested himself body and soul in the preservation of Afro-Colombian memory.

He opened the museum he founded and gave me a tour. During this guided tour, I learned that many of the slaves sent to Quibdó came from Senegal, Ghana and the Congo. Bantú then takes me to a room and shows me a wooden statue. He tells me that it is in honor of Soundiata Keïta, the Emperor of Mali. I tell him that this is where I come from, on my mother’s side, who is Bambara. Bantú changed his name to reconnect with Africa, Mother Earth. When he talks about our continent, his eyes are shining. The emotion is at its peak when he asks me to put my hand on this statue and meditate with him to thank the ancestors for allowing our meeting. He tells me that I am only the 4th African to visit the museum.

The atmosphere is heavy: all around us, there are objects that tell the cruelty and the ignominy of slavery; whips, chains, picks, balls, nails, scrap metal and instruments of torture remind us of the absolute horror suffered by mine. Bantú, still holding his hand on the statuette of Soundjata, sings a song sung by slaves in a dialect I don’t understand. His tears flow, mine too.

Our eyes cross, we hug again. The Afro populations living in Latin America are the great forgotten of our history, with the possible exception of Brazil. We often talk about African Americans, but very few of our brothers and sisters on the Pacific side. From Argentina to Mexico to Panama, Colombia and Venezuela, millions of black people live completely cut off from the African continent.

I hope that one day we can have a great festival that will reconnect the black populations of Latin America with the original continent. Who knows: one day perhaps… In any case, it is the wish of my friend Bantú. Before leaving us, he holds my hand and asks me if we will see each other again one day. “Esta visita ha cambiado mi vida para siempre. Volveré como he prometido. Que los ancestros te bendigan.”

I promise him that, if God gives us a long life, I will not only come back, but I will be accompanied by a film crew to show the world that Quibdó, the other Africa, is only asking to reconnect with his sweet half the mother earth of Africa. Adiós, hermano mío, amigo mío. /Koly Tenguela

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CULTURE

SENEGAL – Bo Diaw breaks silence with “The Village”, an album that celebrates cultural diversity

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Montreal is about to vibrate to the rhythm of melodies, which will open up new and inspiring sound spaces by this artist of Senegalese origin, Bo Diaw. On the edge of a musical style that has nothing to envy to others, the artist will unveil, on November 9, 2024, “The Village”. An album that promises to celebrate cultural diversity through mixed sounds and messages of hope. This album is a serene bridge between different cultures. A tangle of melodious notes that question us about ourselves.

“The Village”, a message of unity
This new album by Bo Diaw is the international news, especially in Quebec. The artist is a perfect example of his commitment to a more harmonious world. “The Village” is a true ode to global solidarity and unity. Each song on this album sounds like an invitation to recognize the beauty of our differences and the importance of connecting people. The pieces are linked together in a subtle mix of reggae, afrobeat, dancehall and pop, while paying tribute to the artist’s Senegalese roots. Beyond the artistic work, Bo Diaw really wanted to explore the authenticity and humanism of people. Behind each song, each title, there is a humanistic questioning that questions us.

“The village”

A multifaceted journey
Born in Dakar, Bo Diaw grew up in an artist family. He was also immersed in the musical world from his childhood thanks to his father Abdou Diaw, member of the Senegalese group “Darray Kocc”. He grew up listening to vinyl and disco. As a teenager, he tried humor and theatre before turning to music. At only 17 years old, this young boy with a sunny smile joins the animation group Mballo Assiko, a musical and theatrical ensemble that will mark his debut as an interpreter. Bo Diaw never stopped digging into her roots while exploring new musical frontiers. Her first single, “This is my blonde!” , released in 2013, became a hit in Quebec. The artist’s musical career is on the rise, and international scenes are smiling at him. Later, titles such as “Hypnotize” in 2015 and “Yaw Lay Weur” in 2017, where he celebrates the African woman, confirm his status as a versatile and committed artist.

Bo Diaw, Artist

An internationally recognized artist Bo Diaw has made a mark not only on his music, but also on his commitment to diversity and the Senegalese culture. In 2018, he was awarded the Dynasty Gala in the category «Best Artist or World Music Group of the Year», a distinction that crowns years of efforts. The artist continues to enrich his musical repertoire by multiplying collaborations with emblematic figures of Senegalese music such as Didier Awadi or the group PBS. In 2021, he signed with “Nuits d’Afrique”, further strengthening his presence on the world music scene.

An evening not to be missed
The launch of this new album, “The Village”, will take place at the Afromusée in Montreal. The choice of venue is not trivial. Indeed, it perfectly reflects the values of diversity and inclusion so dear to Bo Diaw especially since he placed this album under the sign of unity and sharing.

Bo Diaw, Artist
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CULTURE

SENEGAL – At the Curial Centre, Ombre Zion blows everything up

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On Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Centre Curial in Paris, it was a real vocal feast. The Senegalese reggaeman Ombre Zion was live. With a powerful voice, he revisited his repertoire, a reggae mix imbued with African rhythms, with a fast flow and great clarity. The artists who preceded him in the first part ensured, thus preparing the entrance of the main artist, as close to emotions and the public. An unforgettable evening.

Saturday rasta
This Saturday night, by a strange coincidence, the time was reggae. While Kadjeem gave a concert in Abidjan, Ombre Zion was playing intense and fast notes on the grounds of the Centre Curial in Paris. The scene was lit up like a burning chapel. About ten rotating projectors, placed above the stage, flooded with light a drummer, two guitarists, a chorister and singers. That was it. They moved constantly, like pieces of a cut snake looking for each other. In the center of this army of projectors, a direct and motionless spot illuminated the focal point of this night attraction: the artists of the first part and Ombre Zion.

An attendance sustained, without being oppressive
This concert, scheduled on the weekend in the 19th arrondissement and offering a nice range of artists, had everything to attract people. The turnout was not surprising, as a huge communication campaign had been conducted on social networks weeks in advance. The audience came in large numbers to support their artist. Even if we were not at a record attendance, the crowd present recalled that of the popular balls, full of conviviality.

The guests and the public are all excited
Before entering Ombre Zion, several artists heated the room. At the top of the list, in order of passage, was Aboubakrine Fall. He was welcomed as the principal artist. The audience, overflowing with joy, howled with emotion under the mesmerizing notes of his bright red guitar. There was no pre-defined set list: each artist performed his or her own song in their own way. Smartphones were quickly taken out of the bags to immortalize this almost historic moment, with flashes rivaling spotlights. Same enthusiasm when other guests took the microphone: young rapper Nayah John, committed and feminist artist Dieya, seductive Astou Seck with breathtaking choreography, and finally Mystery. Then, the highlight of the show: Shadow Zion.

Ombre Zion electrifies her fans
H-Time. When Shadow Zion came on stage, bathed in a fiery glow, extreme agitation seized the audience. The fans were in delirium, almost in trance. If it was thought that the artist would be tired after the performances of the guests, it was nothing. Surprised by the atmosphere, he chained his songs in an afroswing style that only he has the secret. The intensity has never ceased to rise until the interpretation of “Calendar”, eponymous song from his EP released in 2023. At that time, the fusion between the artist and the public was complete, they were one. The atmosphere was so overheated that it was difficult to distinguish all the words. But Ombre Zion, focused and professional, continued without any interruption. At the end of the concert, an emotional fan said: “It will be one of my unforgettable memories: seeing Ombre and touching him.” A total success!

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CULTURE

SENEGAL – Mame Balla Mbow smashes everything at the Daniel Sorano Theatre

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Every year for the past four years, the Daniel Sorano Theatre in Dakar has become a capital of humour. Also, this evening the day after Toussaint, the Theatre was full. Dressed in royal grey with a yellow shirt, Mame Balla Mbow has once again amazed the fans who came to laugh. The laughter was loud, and the topics discussed were sensitive. In an overheated room, he proved that he was more than a comedian: he is a true master of Senegalese comedy.

Mame Balla Show: laughing while thinking
This show, organized by SHAHEIM Suarl, a renowned communication and event agency, was staged with high quality. Beyond the laughter, the Mame Balla Show is also an invitation to reflect. Throughout the evening, the artist skillfully blended humour and social criticism. He has approached the themes of daily life in Senegal with finesse, while highlighting universal truths. The audience, from all walks of life – young executives, mothers, young people from the suburbs, deans – saw themselves in the often funny situations, the naughty characters and the anecdotes he staged. The public was not mistaken: the Mame Balla Show is much more than a simple comic show; it is a mirror stretched to Senegalese society. With her verve and keen sense of observation, Mame Balla has shed light on the absurdities of our daily lives and has taken a critical look at the dysfunctions at the top of the state as well as the social challenges facing Senegal.

Mame Balla Mbow @Sholes

Mame Balla Mbow, a vitriolic humor
Although he is not yet 30 years old, Mame Balla Mbow has the appearance of an experienced comedian. Originally from Boune, in the Dakar suburbs, he is followed by thousands of people on social networks. Unlike many young people who are starting this profession, he graduated in law from the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (UCAD), where he became known for his positions on social issues. His committed humour is distinguished by its freedom of expression, unlike the majority of Senegalese humorists. Mame Balla rejects the “watered-down” comedy that favours aesthetics and exaggeration; instead, he proposes a unique approach inspired by great international comedy names such as Jamel Debbouze, while adapting his style to Senegalese realities. “I chose to do comedy to raise awareness, not just make people laugh,” he says.

From Dakar to Paris, very soon
Every year, it is packed. Normal. He has this sincere and precise look at a current event that he transmits in a kind of compassion, embarrassment and pity that instinctively causes laughter. Proud of his success, Mame Balla Mbow has great ambitions for his artistic future and is not limited to Senegal. That’s why he plans to conquer Paris in 2025 with a new show that will make a date. A challenge that this determined artist seems ready to take on. Judging by his show on November 2, one thing is clear: the artist is more than motivated to make people talk about him outside of Senegal.

The Mame Balla Show or laughing at everything
The Mame Balla Show is not just an annual show; it is also an event – let’s say a pretext – that allows the artist to denounce, through humor, and to defend values such as justice and truth. Mame Balla Mbow is undoubtedly redefining the contours of the Senegalese humorous universe. His show, which inspires other young talents, proves that you can laugh while raising the debate. Meet in Paris for a new adventure!

Mame Balla Mbow @Hamydou Guissé

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