Malick Diaw – “Ainsí Va la Vie” (Malick Diaw, 2015)
Senegalese guitarist and singer-songwriter Malick Diaw has released his debut album after many years involved in the West African music scene. “Ainsí Va la Vie” (Such is life) reflects the musical and cultural influences he’s experienced throughout the years. You’ll find West African Manding roots along with blues, folk, jazz and some Spanish flamenco influences.
Although currently based in Paris, Malick Diaw spent eight years in Madrid and he went back there to record most of the tracks on “Ainsí Va la Vie.” His lyrics reflect his personal experience as a musician. He also pays tribute to his father, mothers, women, the Mouride Sufi brotherhood, the dangers of boat migration and other social issues.
Malick Diaw has some connections with the sound of Youssou N’Dour, Ismael Lo and Salif Keita although his time in Spain and his collaborations with African artists from other parts of the continent incorporate many other elements that define his unique sound.
Diaw started his musical career in 1993, while he was still a student in Dakar. One of his first gigs was in Gambia where he accompanied various Senegalse artists on the guitar. In Senegal he recorded on various albums: “Beukarek garaman” (1993) by Dial Mbaye; and the following albums by Alioune Mbaye Nder: “Aduna” (1995), “Inalmanaila” (1996), “Fatelekoul dom” (1996), “Lénéen” (1997) and “Serigne Mansour” (1998).
In 2001, Malick Diaw participated in “Madada”, the debut album by Guinean artists Kamaldine Konte.
In 2002 he relocated to Madrid (Spain) where he joined the band Djambutu Thiossane. He recorded two albums with the band, “Fass” and “Nitt”. In Madrid’s thriving musical melting pot he also worked with fellow Senegalese artist Sidy Samb (former member of Mártires del Compás) with he recorded “La sombra del duende” and two albums for the Senegalese market: “Ngewël” and “Morena”.
While in Spain, Malick Diaw toured with Equatorial Guinean vocalist Piruchi (Hijas Del Sol) and Bidinte from Guinea Bissau. He also joined well known Senegalse artists during their European toutrs: Fallou Dieng, Pape Diouf, Titi, Abdou Guite, Mapenda Seck, Fatou Guéwél, Pape Thiopet, and Djiby Dramé.
In 2009 he collaborated with the late Saharawi Singer Mariem Hassan during her performances at WOMAD in Charlton Park*(UK) and Taormina (Italy), and recorded on her album “Shouka” (Nubenegra, 2010).
In 2010, Diaw moved to Paris although he frequently tours Spain and Switzerland.
Buy the digital download version of Ainsí Va la Vie
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.
