Mamadou Sidibe

Mamadou Sidibe recently collaborated with Markus James' 'Timbuktoubab' film project exploring the relationship between Malian music and the roots of blues. He continues his work with American artists in this current collaboration with Vanessa Janora. Mamadou Sidibe was born in the early 1960's in the Wassalou region of Mali, West Africa. He was born to a farming family with a musical history and talent. His grandfather was a master of the doson'goni, the traditional hunter's harp. After his grandfather's passing, Mamadou was given one of the old master's instruments. By the time he was 17, he was playing well beyond his village of Kofilache, often in demand at celebrations and ceremonies in the main town in the region, Yanfolila.

During this time, there was a serious transition in the traditional music underway. The doson'goni was being "replaced" by the kameln'goni. The doson'goni and kameln'goni are the same instruments and have the same notes, however, the rhythms, melodies and lyrics are very different. One of the main differences was the transference of the music from a sacred sphere to a much more public one, with kameln'goni players singing about love, politics and daily life. Mamadou was integrally involved in this exciting transition, as he was one of the first n'goni players to put 8 strings instead of the traditional 6 strings on the instrument.

By 1984, Mamadou was touring Europe with Ensemble Djoliba Percussions and teaming up with the legendary kora player, Toumani Diabate, to tour festivals in France and England.

Upon his return to Bamako, Mali, Mamadou played with Oumou Sangare, one of the most famous divas from Wassalou. They played weddings, ceremonies and other special occasions around Bamako.

In the late 1980's, Mamadou began a 10 year partnership with the legendary Coumba Sidibe. With Coumba, Mamadou traveled throughout Europe and the United States, playing live shows and recording albums.

Among the other artists Mamadou recorded with during this time were Arouna Sidibe, Askia Modibo (well-known reggae artist in West Africa), Samba Diallo and Ashata Sidibe (daughter of Coumba Sidibe).

Mamadou has recently released 3 different recordings (Mamadou's solo release and appearances on Ramata Diakite's and Markus James's latest releases).

Mamadou has recently performed live with Markus James all over New England and the West Coast. Mamadou is also a member of Troupe Baden'ya, a group of Malian master artists formerly of the National Ballet of Mali and other top Malian ballets. This group has been putting on performances, workshops and master classes for K-12 schools and Universities throughout New England.

Mamadou is heard here with Vanessa Janora. Vanessa was born in New York and has spent the last several years living and performing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has performed with several San Francisco Salsa and Afro-Cuban groups as vocalist, percussionist and dancer.

Her passion for world music has taken her to Cuba to study percussion at the Escuela Nacional D'Arte. There she studied popular Cuban music as well as the folkloric cuban rhythms.

Now Vanessa has begun exploring music for Mali, West Africa. She has studied vocal style and dance with Ramatou Diakite and has immersed herself in the musical works of Oumou Sangare and Coumba Sidibe.

Vanessa Janora is an expressive vocalist who loves partaking in all the rich musical cultures of the world.