Mamadou and Vanessa

USA

March 13, 2005

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Mamadou Sidibe is from Mali, West Africa and has played a groundbreaking role in Mali music.  He was one of the first to transform the traditional Malian instrument the doson'goni, to the now popular kameln'goni.  He changed the number of strings from 6 to 8, and completely changed the melodies from sacred hunters songs to  popular music of contemporary African life.  He then went on to tour with Mali greats Coumba Sidibe, Oumou Sangare and Ramatu Diakite in Africa, Europe and the US.

Now Mamadou blends his Wassalou melodies with American Rhythm and Blues in this new collaboration with his wife, Vanessa Sidibe.    Vanessa is an accomplished Afro-Cuban and Salsa musician from the San Francisco Bay Area. 

The Sidibes merge two languages (Bambara and English), two cultures and two musical threads in Nacama, telling stories as in traditional Mali culture.

Have you performed in front of an audience?

Yes. We love the connection with the audience.

Your musical influences

Our music is from the Wassalou region of Mali, West Africa.  We love Ali Farka Toure, Issa Bagayogo, Idrissa Soumaoro, John Lee Hooker, Leadbelly, early Muddy Waters.

Anything else?

Check out our website at www.musicmali.com