Diyé bedeutet Kinder. Die vor Energie und Lebensfreude überbordende afrikanische Musik ist allen Kindern der Welt (und denen in der Takadja-Gruppe) gewidmet. Oumar N'Diaye u.a. singen spirituell ausgerichtete Lieder aus Senegal und Guinea, begleitet von einem kunstvollen Geflecht aus perkussiven Rhythmen.

the project

Fans and critics alike will be delighted with the staying power of Takadja to continue their legacy of African music in the masterful style perfected by this multi-talented and ever-growing popular group. Takadja's self-titled debut album received the esteemed honor of Canada's JUNO Award for the Best Global Album of 1995.

Diyé in the Sousou language means the children. Takadja dedicates this recording to the children of the world and especially to their own children, for they are our future. You can expect a vast array of rhythms covered in Diyé, such as Soli, Yolé, Koukou, Doundoumba and Mandianné rhythms from Guinea, N'Dorabine rhythm from Senegal (Woloff ethnic group), and a medley of various traditional rhythms originating from the Ivory Coast, such as Digba and Tiplo-Clalo rhythms from the Bété ethnic group, and Zaouli rhythm from the Gouro ethnic group. With all of the tracks composed by the members of Takadja, Diyé is a harmonious blend of the members ancestry, training and experiences, delivering a very personal message.

the artists

Formed in 1989 by Canadian-born Francine Martel, Takadja is a highly artistic and dynamic group bringing together superb African and Canadian talent passionately specializing in African music. The artistic and musical director of the group, Francine has been playing the drums and percussion for twenty years. In 1980, her first trip to Africa, Francine discovered the vast number of polyrhythms which have become an inexhaustible source for her passion for drumming. In 1986, during a stay in Ivory Coast, Francine met Sékou Camara Cobra who became her drum master.

Born in Conakry, Guinea, Oumar N'Diaye is an acrobat-dancer, choreographer, percussionist and singer, and shares the artistic direction of the group with Francine. Oumar began dancing at age seven, received his first award at age ten, and at 19 was recruited as a dancer/actor by the national troupe Les Grands Ballets Africains of the Republic of Guinea. Upon completion of his artistic and dance training, Oumar moved on, establishing himself in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Europe and Canada, where he lives today, performing as a dancer and percussionist with Takadja.

Robert Lépine, a native of Chicoutimi, Québec, holds a master's degree in music (xylophone and percussion) and has studied balafon with master musicians in Guinea. Robert has played djembé and balafon with Takadja since 1989.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Youssou Seck is a specialist of the m'balax music. He moved to Canada and joined Takadja in 1992, playing mainly the kenkeni and dundumba drums.

Montréal-born kora player Nathalie Dussault perfected her art in Africa with master musicians Foday Kalissa from Guinea and Toumany Kouyaté from Senegal. She has been playing with Takadja since 1992.

Takadja is joined with guest performers Gaston Breton on back-up vocals and accoustic guitar; Sylvain Leroux on the serdou peul flute; and special guest artist and producer Steve Roach on the didgeridoo and rattles.

discography

tracklist