Malian Trio SMOD to Release Debut Album Produced by Manu Chao

Malian Trio SMOD’s debut album, Smod, will be out May 24th, 2011. It was produced by Manu Chao. This is an album produced by superstar Manu Chao. SMOD originally connected with Manu Chao through their frontman Sam, who is the son of world music stars Amadou & Mariam. Manu Chao had produced Amadou & Mariam’s album, ‘Dimanche a Bamako,’ catapulting them into international icons.

SMOD’s album fuses folk, blues and hip hop with traditional Malian styles. It is a politically-conscious album that addresses inequalities across African history via impassioned French lyrics. French rap sensation Keny Arkana is featured on the track, “J’ai Pas Peur Du Micro.”

SMOD embodies the emergence of a new scene in Africa, the embracing of new urban sounds while incorporating the importance of heritage. While the group has released three albums in Europe over the past 10 years, Smod is their proper North American debut.

Buy the album:

• In North America: Smod
• In Europe: Smod