Various
Teranga! Senegal
On any given day in the last few years, turn on a radio or TV in Senegal and you would be bound to hear at least one of the tracks on these 2CDs. Because music in Senegal is not all about mbalax, that high energy, percussion-driven child of the streets as championed by Youssou N'Dour in his youth. Nor is it only hip hop and rap which, in its imported form if no other, is such a strident voice throughout present-day Africa. In the fertile and popular culture of Senegal grow many musics, some with direct links to a specific tradition, others with a more general take on their roots, and artists such as Les Frères Guiss and, never to forget, the indomitable Ablaye Ndiaye Thiosanne have been plying their unique sound for decades. While today the way is also open for a new generation such as Queen Biz with her wry observations, or Wally B Seck with his impossible romance, to add their voice to the musical tapestry. Compiler Ibrahima Sylla, working with media partners SEN TV and ZIK FM on the release of this album in Senegal has selected a spread of tracks that, taken together, give a vibrant and uniquely Sengalese picture of the airwaves. Turn the dial and you will hear social comment, romantic ballads, a burst of mbalax, a snatch of samba...all are to be found on this accessibly-priced snapshot of Senegal today.