His name sounds like a legend inscribed in history. King Ibu! It is above all a story that resonates deep in the Fouta lands to give birth to an artist of unequalled talent. An exceptional artist who delights us with his exquisite Peules sounds, mixed with jazz, pop or soul. King Ibu is an artistic gift that Senegal has generously bequeathed to us. This world music giant, steeped in its roots, is a native of Podor five hundred kilometres north of Dakar, the former colonial trading post that borders the Senegal River. Podor is also the birthplace of the great singer musician Baaba Maal. Podor is Ngawlé, an ancient Fort, and the island of Morphile. Podor is a region that is bathed in a dizzying geographic density. Ze-Africanews went to meet this must-see artist, King Ibu, in Las Vegas where he has lived for more than twenty years.
Love of song was born in Podor
King Ibu is a musician who plays many instruments at the same time. He is based in the USA precisely in Las Vegas. Songwriter and producer, he began playing guitar at the age of 12. In Podor where he grew up, music and art in general have always been part of his social and cultural landscape. He was thus very early seduced by this musical world.
Mixing modern, African and Senegalese music
When some musicians imitated American music, King Ibu played traditional music with a modern approach. A personal choice that allowed him to mix contemporary music, African music in general and Senegalese music in particular. As an artist, he mixes traditional West African folk music with modern contemporary arrangements, a musical choice that can be explained by his dual culture. The singer artist defines his music as: “a bridge between Afro Pop and World Music, a mixture of different styles of music designed to promote all that human beings have in common through the expression of the language that can certainly be very different but with universal emotions.” Fascinated by diversity, King Ibu sings in several languages, enriched by his linguistic and literary academic training. It uses five languages: Pulaar, Wolof, English, French and Spanish. This linguistic flexibility allows him to share his music with peoples around the world.
Between spirituality, instrumentalization and polyrhythms
King Ibu surfes between a spiritual approach to storytelling through polyrhythmic instrumentalization and grooves. The melody and rhythm are an integral part of his work but also of his life due to his origins in the lands of Fouta. “Even before we are born, we are exposed to music in one way or another. There is music in all religious and spiritual rites. I use music to create a space of communion with others. This style of musical composition allows me to connect with the human fibre that binds us all.” said King Ibu.
Between the guitar and the drum
Apart from the five languages he practices in his songs, the artist plays alternating guitar and talking drum. This versatility as a producer has allowed her to work effectively. King Ibu embodies in perfect symbiosis, a multidimensional, human and generous value. He works constantly on different subjects of society, musical styles and instruments to improve not only his art but also his personality as an artist. “I often say that it would be a sin not to glorify the Creator by practising these faculties that are given to us,” he explains.
King Ibu sings love and Africa
Three key songs are part of King Ibu’s many achievements. The first evokes love and regret: “To the one” which talks about missing out on the love of one’s life or making mistakes about one’s own personality. The song “Gidel Am, My love,” meanwhile, is a declaration of love that was written when he was younger: “It was a declaration of love that I had written when I was a teenager. Love when you hold on to us. It’s also the most human feeling: love. We thrive when we’re in love.” The third “Cooporate” and “Mama Africa”, which speaks of the African continent, is an appeal to African nations to unite and work together for a better future for Africa, to put down their arms in order to live in peace, to stop the war between brothers, to build…. but also to stop asking for Western assistance. He explains that Africa has everything it takes to be the most modern and prosperous continent in the world.
Watch the song “Mama Africa” here
“What’s going on” is his brand new production”
“What’s going on” is a paternal approach in response to the situation of African-Americans. It is a heartfelt cry about the situation, according to him, of his brothers and sisters who are suffering social, political, economic and even institutional injustice. King Ibu addresses this issue as an African living in this American society, and being himself concerned by the situation of discrimination. It is his way of participating in the construction of the movement “Black Lives Matter”
International Artist and “The Voice of World Music”
King Ibu has collaborated with artists from around the world such as Becaye Aw from Norway, The Hard Road Trio from New Mexico, Dirk K from Germany, Kurt Rasmussen from Cirque du Soleil and Carlos Santana. His presence at these various events is in fact the most satisfying result according to him in his career as an artist. “It’s a great honour for him. And it proves that work and persistence are investments that never disappoint,” he says. Moreover, it is a confirmation of his status as an international artist that is recognized. Performing in the casinos of Las Vegas and all over the world, offered him a beautiful experience musically and humanly. It is a bit like a dream that comes true through hard work, perseverance and determination in what he loves: music.
USA, Canada, Norway, Senegal, Belgium: King Ibu, the king of the stage
King Ibu also shared the stage and famous podiums with Tim Weisberg, Poncho Sanchez, The Wailers or Femi Kuti. Exceptional encounters with the key to a great recognition in his life as an artist in search of positive vibrations. In the United States, in Canada, in Norway, in Belgium, in Senegal, in Ecuador, King Ibu brings his music, his vibrations, his multiple languages, the mastery of various instruments, his sonorities, his Peul culture wrapped in his “Pulaagu”, his rigor, his artist soul and joy. “It is a very noble opportunity to be listened to and appreciated. I owe everything to those who find joy and happiness in what I do“. He defines himself as “The Voice of World Music” or even a citizen of the world and I sing world music,” explains King Ibu… His message is clear, he wants to send a message of peace and love through his art while recalling that it is the responsibility of everyone to build a better world in order to live in all cohesion and harmony.