In 1984, Ismael quit the group to branch out on his own in a hugely successful solo career. The secret of his success was his innovative fusion of M'balax with folk and soul influences and his ability to write highly original songs which frequently tackled political and social issues. In the M'balax star traveled to France to record his sixth solo album which skyrocketed to success on the European charts, largely thanks to the phenomenal success of the single "Tajabone".

L? then triumphed at Radio France Internationale's "D?couvertes" music contest, earning the coveted RFI Sacem trophy. Ismael's 1994 album, Iso was released on the Mango Island label and featured the two distinct musical styles which run throughout the Senegalese star's work, namely soft guitar melodies (as featured in the track "Dibi dibi rek"), and traditional Senegalese m'balax, which helped establish him alongside Youssou N'dour as one as the most popular Senegalese stars on the European music scene.

1996 saw the release of a special Ismael L? greatest hits compilation entitled Jammu Africa which contained a surprise duet, "Without Blame", which Ismael L? recorded with the famous English singer Marianne Faithful. By the end of 1996 Ismael L? had become such a well-known figure on the French music scene that he was invited to support Jane Birkin at the legendary Paris music hall L'Olympia.

After releasing the album Dabah in 2001 Ismael was back in the forefront, and he hit the road again in 2004, embarking upon a mammoth tour in late April to no less than fifteen countries across south Africa, east Africa and the Pacific Ocean region including Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, Mauritius and Uganda. Don't miss his first New York show in nearly a decade.

Official Web Site: http://www.ismael-lo.com

Ismaila Lo '81 L'Homme Orchestre ( Syllart BS15155-03, 1981)

Xalat (Syllart / Celluloid SYL8314, 1986)

Xiif (Syllart / Celluloid SYL8321, 1986)

Diawar (Syllart SYL8380, 1989/ Reissued by Stern's Africa in 1989, Stern's 1027)

Wadiour (Ilopro ILP900, 1990) Natt (Melodie 38740, 1990)

Tajabone (Barclay 847972-2, 1991) Xumbeul (Ilopro, 1993

Dibi Dibi Rek (Ilopro, 1994)

Baol Baol (Ilopro 4, 1994)

Iso (Mango, 1994)

Jammu Africa (Mercury, 1996)

The Balladeer (Wrasse Records, 2001)

Dabah (Wrasse Records, 2001)