WOMAD

Modou Diouf & O Fogum

From Senegal

Modou Diouf and his family (O Fogum), come from a long lineage of Griot musicians from the Serre peoples of Senegal. Their instruments are the Sabar Drums, and Tama (talking drum). Sabar and Tama drums produce the explosive rhythm section behind almost all modern Mbalax artists in Senegal today, including; Youssou N’Dor, Cheihk Lo and Baaba Maal. They are considered an integral part of their music, often taking the spotlight during concerts, captivating audiences, and possessing dancers to perform the most incredible moves and choreographiesIn 2001 Modou toured Britain with his own 12 strong ensemble of Sabar drummers and dancers. This tour culminated with an unbelievable concert on the Siam Stage at Womad, where the group had little problem in winning the hearts of the huge crowd… and a few notable journalists; ‘’unfathomable cross rhythms ricocheted through the still air like machine-gun fire’’ (The Guardian).The ‘Talking Drum’ 2005 tour will see Modou Diouf joined by several members of his own family comprising three Sabar drummers, three Tama drummers, and his two sisters; Fatou Diouf and Binitou Diop, providing the powerful dance accompaniment. Ensembles such as this are rarely seen outside of Senegal, and this tour will be something of a unique occasion to concert audiences and festival crowds this summer. The line-up will produce an awe inspiring concert from one of the most powerful Griot families in Senegal today.