Yakar

"On his 2nd album 'Yakar' Amadou Diagne from Senégal sings soulful, bluesy songs delivered with an honest intensity reflecting on the joys and hardships of life. After years as a percussionist backing luminaries such as Youssou N'Dour and Cesaria Evora in l'orchestre Nationale du Senégal Amadou is now based in the UK, and a solo artist in his own right. 'Yakar' is produced by Griselda Sanderson, and Amadou is joined by guests Abdoulaye Samb (guitar and bass), Pete Josef (bass), Louis Bingham (guitar) Alioune Samb (keyboards) and Griselda Sanderson (string arrangements & nyckelharpa). Moroccan Gnawa Maâlem Simo Lagnawi adds a north African flavour with his desert-infused vocals and guembri on the title track 'Yakar' and lyrics on the poignant 'Emigrés', which highlights the stuggles of immigrants in the UK. 'Travel' is also written for those who have left their home countries. Traditional songs such as 'Alal' sit alongside original numbers like 'Aida' and 'Sey'. There are strong messages in his music. 'Help A Child' encourages parents to give their children the best start in life by ensuring they are properly educated. 'Lamp Fall' praises the leader of the Baye Fall movement that encourages a strong spiritual lifestyle. The production has a European feel, but also connects with an audience in Amadou's native region of West Africa. The title of his track 'Goree' refers to an island off the coast of Senegal from where slaves were shipped across the Atlantic, and 'Casamance' bemoans the effects of conflict in war-torn Casamance. 'Jef Jel', a song about effort and determination illustrates Amadou's take on life; to strive positively towards one's goals, and this album is certainly a step in the right direction.