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Cheick Tidiane Seck, Malian griot and piano wizard
by Daniel Brown
Article published on the 2008-11-27 Latest update 2008-12-10 12:46 TU
Cheick Tidiane Seck in RFI's studio 136
(Photo: D Brown)
Born in Ségou, Mali, in 1953, Cheick Tidiane Seck has forged an outstanding international career at the side of people of the calibre of Joe Zawinul, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Hank Jones. They all recognise they owe a huge debt to the pianist. Seck has also conducted a solo career and has just released his best album so far, Sabaly.
World Tracks: Cheick Tidiane Seck
Seck's 2008 album release builds bridges with fellow-musicians as it combines Malian blues with jazz, rap, soul and even raggamuffin. It contrasts strongly with his previous release Mandingroove which emphasized his penchant for electronic music.
The album also tackles many issues that prey on Africans' minds in the 21st century. These range from clandestine emmigration to the place of traditions like "Bakoromba", a traditional style of Halloween that continues to be played out in Mali.
The composer has called on a real "who's who" of African artists to record the CD: Toumani Diabaté, Mangala Camara, Paco Sery, Oumou Sangare, Manu Dibango and Dee Dee Bridgewater all lend their talents to one of the best albums released in 2008.
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