Fofoulah
Fofoulah (Glitterbeat GB 017CD, 2014)
One of the most exciting world music acts in the UK is a quintet named Fofoulah (“it’s there” in Wolof). Their fabulous percussion section is what attracts the most in this act. The Wolof sabar drums from Gambia and Senegal are the foundation of Fofoulah, plus tama (talking drum) and drum set. Fofoulah skillfully mixes Wolof polyrhythms with funk, mbalax, electronic trance music, jazz, and Afro-rock.
Fofoulah was formed in London in 2011 and consists of Tom Challenger (Red Snapper) on saxophone and keyboards, Phil Stevenson (Iness Mezel) on guitar, Johnny Brierley (Outhouse Ruhabi) on bass, Dave Smith (Robert Plant’s Sensational Shape Shifters, JuJu) on drums and sabar drums, and Kaw Secka (Irok) on sabar drums and tama.
“The rhythms and traditions of the drums were essential starting points for our compositions and acted as the building blocks for all the other instruments — our music has developed and evolved with each member’s musical background and influences being heard within the band… Fofoulah, our first album, is a snapshot of the band at this moment in time and the result of a constantly developing sound,” reveals bass player Johnny Brierley in the album notes.
The debut album Fofoulah was recorded at the prestigious Real World Studios near Bath and was produced by Fofoulah’s drummer, Dave Smith. Guest vocalists on the album include Senegalese singer Batch Gueye; UK hip-hop artist Ghostpoet; Algerian/Parisian singer Iness Mezel; and Gambian-born, Fulani musician Juldeh Camara (JuJu, Robert Plant).
Fofoulah features an array of top African and British talent who take the listener on a wonderful a journey through the world of West African percussion and the best of modern music.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
