Daby Balde – Introducing Daby Balde (World Music Network)

Whilst Senegalese singer/ songwriter Daby Balde shares some instrumentation with his better known countryman, Baaba Maal, Balde is from the south of the country and incorporates Fula traditions in his music. On Introducing Daby Balde (World Music Network) the music is quite low key folk orientated, often simply Balde’ rich melodic vocals with acoustic guitar, though he also incorporates fiddle, accordion, flute, kora and percussion. There is a certain immediacy to Balde’ vocals, which are incredibly rich and striking, feeling like they are propelling the music forward. Some tracks feature some elements of the West African dance music, yet it never overshadows Balde’ unique style. Recorded in Senegal and Belgium, and singing in Senegalese dialects of Wolof Mandinka, Fula as well as French, the music of Daby Balde is a joyful captivating listen.