This will be a one-hour concert with an incredible band from Salem, MA called "Mamadou Band."  No other group performs with such a command of African poly-rhythm and as high an energy as Mamadou.  Performing original songs and arrangements, Mamadou has developed a unique sound that will get you to dance!  The rhythms that emanate from this group are infectious, and have to be experienced to be understood.  The truly multi-cultural band is led by the immensely talented Mamadou Diop (pronounced "maa-maa-doo jop").

Mamadou Diop, the group's leader, is from Senengal, West Africa, bringing with him 40 years of musical experience.  As a youth, he became interested in playing music when his mother gifted him a guitar.  He would go to the river at night and sit by the bridge and teach himself to play the rooted rhythms of Africa.  Today he is one of the most respected rhythm guitarists from his country and also he is an accomplished sabar (Senegalese hand and stick) and djembe drummer.  He has performed with the most celebrated musicians of Senegal, including members of the Madison Band, Africando, Baaba Maal, and the Grand Soda Mama with whom he toured Senegal, Mauritania, Cameroon, and the Ivory Coast.  Mamadou settled in the U.S. in 1996, after completing a world tour throughout Africa, Europe and North America, with the legendary Orchestra Baobab.  Along with performing, he is a member of the Soninke tribe, teaches about African life and culture, and leads drum workshops for public and private school programs.  He also teaches weekly drum and dance classes for adults and children, and he is also a gifted painter, bringing African folklore to life on canvas with traditional, colorful scenes.  For more information about this wonderful musician, please go to his website: http://www.mamadou.com

This program is kindly sponsored jointly by the Friends of the Milton Public Library and the Milton Cultural Council (part of the MA Cultural Council), and it is free and open to all.  The concert is also great for all ages, so please come and bring the kids!  We hope you might join us.  For questions, Email jhlady@milton.ocln.org or call the Reference Dept. at (617) 898-4964.