WOMAD

Seydu

From Sierra Leone

Singer, composer and percussion player, Seydu was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. From his grandfather he learned the secrets of percussion, and from his mother the songs in the fullah-mandinga tradition.Seydu grew up listening to polyrhythmic music, and also to reggae. He started making his own percussion instruments, using tin boxes and other recycled materials.At a young age he became a professional musician with the National Dance Troupe of Sierra Leone. He then travelled to Nigeria where he played and lived in the commune-town of the legendary Fella Anikulapo Kuti.The strong polyrhythms of African percussion (the 'afrobeat' that is Fela Kuti's distinctive sound) together with Jamaican influences form the foundation of Seydu's musical style.In 1985 Seydu arrived in Marbella to play at a Stevie Wonder concert, and decided to settle in Spain. He had to fight hard to break onto the Spanish music scene. A breakthrough came after he formed his band 'Bambara', and played a variety of styles including reggae, afro, latin jazz, pop - a successful blend which suited his African musical roots.In 1993 Seydu joined Kiko Veneno's band. Kiko was an established Spanish musician, and Seydu toured and recorded with him for four years. He also recorded with reputed musicians such as Rosario, Alejandro Sanz, Raimundo Amador, Albert Pla as a studio musician.In 1998 came his first album 'Freetown', recorded with Nubengra. It included 13 tracks composed, played and sung by Seydu. A mixture of afrobeat, soul, jazz and pop made up the 'ethnopop' sound of 'Freetown' - a mix of languages, rhythms, colours - which like the album's title based its identity on a total liberty of expression and form.Seydu's live performances, like his album, are multi-faceted and composed of different blends of musicians and sounds, depending on the situation. An electric concert might include two guitars, bass guitar, percussion, drums, sax and chorus. An acoustic performance might be composed of the same band with a smaller formation of guitar, percussion and voices. His stage shows have been critically acclaimed for their sheer power and charisma - "duende" in Spanish - a magic created by an artist giving everything on stage. Seydu's warm sweet voice and talented musicians form an instant connection with the audience, who dance ever more enthusiastically to every track.