Coumba Sidibé - Queen of West African Wassoulou Music comes to
Cambridge!

Over the past 30 years, Wassoulou music has risen to prominence,
first within Mali, West Africa and then across the world. One woman
has led the charge throughout: Coumba Sidibé. Described by Afropop
Worldwide as "the deep voiced sage of Wassoulou music," Coumba's
first album was the highest selling album in Africa for a female
vocalist. Cited by Oumou Sangaré and Ramata Diakité as a primary
influence, she brought Mali's Wassoulou tradition of singing to the
forefront of the world music scene. To say that Coumba Sidibé is a
legend does not capture the range and depth of her impact. After a
brief absence from the stage, Coumba Sidibe is making her return.
Coming off two shows at New York City's Joe's Pub, Sidibe will next
hit the stage at the Cambridge Family YMCA's newly renovated Theatre
on Friday, October 8, 2004 at 8:00 PM. and be re-introduced to her
robust, tenor vocal stylings that brought Mali to the rest of the
world.

Coumba will be appearing alongside the fierce rhythms of master
drummer Moussa Traoré on the occasion of his new CD Release. Dakan,
Moussa's second release on Talking Drum Records, means "Destiny" in
his native Bambara. Upon hearing Moussa's playing and compositions,
one can easily understand where the title comes from. Some people are
born to a profession, some are born to a task: Moussa was born to
play. His playing is smooth, clear and remarkably musical. Moussa is
an accomplished artist, having steeped himself in the traditions of
Mandé drumming in travels throughout West Africa and beyond. Dakan is
also a return of sorts for Moussa. This is his first disc recorded
primarily in Mali, and features Sega Cissé, Moussa's teacher, as well
as other accomplished Malian artists. This disc can be purchased or
sampled in advance of the show exclusively at Calabash Music:
http://moussatraore.calabashmusic.com/

Beginning at the age of 17, Moussa was selected to represent the
region of Bamako in Le Biennal, the three-month long national
competition between artists from the nine regions of Mali. Moussa led
his troupe to win the highest honors every year the Biennal was held
through the 1990's. Since then, Moussa has played djembe on the
albums of more Malian pop artists than any other djembefola in Mali.
He has recorded with such artists as: Djénéba Seck, Molobaly Traoré,
Za Yousouf, Nanou Coulibaly, Sabou Dorunté and Soumaila Diallo. Until
coming to the US, Moussa was the djembefola for Malian pop singer
Djénéba Seck, with whom he toured worldwide.

On October 8th, Moussa's group, Timinandi, will also be performing
some selections from Dakan. Timinandi is Moussa's first Boston
project. Moussa chose the name Timinandi ("Courage" in Bambara) as a
tribute to the members of his band. Since their inception, Timinandi
has been performing traditional rhythms while incorporating Moussa's
own modern arrangements and style. A truly cross-cultural group with
members from 4 different countries, Timinandi represents the
diversity of the Boston area while bringing traditional Malian music
to the stage in a modern context.

Joining Coumba and Moussa on-stage is a power packed group of dancers
and musicians, including several members of Troupe Baden'ya and
master artists in their own right – Balla Tounkara (Kora), Balla
Kouyaté (Balafon), Mamadou Sidibé (N'goni), Mohammed "Joh" Camara
(Djun Djun), Djeneba Sacko (Vocals, Dance), Abdoul Doumbia (Djembe),
Ali Diabate (Djun Djun) and more!

This will also be a wonderful opportunity to see the newly renovated
Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre
The Theatre is located at 820 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of show, $7 for children under 12.
Tickets are available for advance purchase at the Cambridge Family
YMCA Main Desk.

Related Links:
www.calabashmusic.com – (Sponsor) fair trade music downloads of many
of the artists appearing available here
www.WADaBo.org – (Sponsor) further information about the show and
artists is available at WADaBo

To listen to this music in advance of the show:
http://stopexcision.calabashmusic.com/ (compilation including one
track by Coumba Sidibe)
http://badenya.calabashmusic.com/
http://mamadousidibe.calabashmusic.com/
http://johcamara.calabashmusic.com/
http://ballatounkara.calabashmusic.com/