National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

One of our favorite, sleeper releases of 2011 was the self-titled international debut album from Malian hip-hop trio SMOD.

Produced by Manu Chao, SMOD introduced this Bamako-based trio and their unique fusion of Malian folk and traditional guitar styles with a not-so-traditional approach to hip hop.

The group takes its name from the first initials of its four original founding members - Sam, Mouzy, Ousco and Donsky - former schoolchums who grew up together in Bamako's Sogoniko district. As teenagers, this hip hop-obsessed foursome honed their budding skills by listening to American rappers and battling other MCs around the city.

But the group also had a secret weapon that would help them get over - Sam is the son of legendary Malian pop stars Amadou and Mariam; a connection that would both influence the direction of the group's sound with the addition of Sam's guitar, and lead them to work with Manu Chao.

SMOD - now down to a trio since Mouzy's departure - recently came to New York City to perform at the annual globalFest event, and they didn't disappoint, with a live show was as charming and invigorating as their album. We used SMOD's rare NYC appearance as an excuse to finally catch up with a band we've wanted to talk to for a long time...

Nat Geo Music: First things first - what does S.M.O.D. stand for?

Ousco: SMOD stands for the youth of Africa, SMOD stands for hope.

How did you all first meet up and when did you decide to make music together?

Ousco: We all met in high school in Bamako and started jamming in the classroom when the teacher was away. We jammed in the classroom, jammed in the streets of Faladié (a popular neighborhood where lots of young MCs hang out). That's where we battled every night for years, until at last we brought SMOD together.

Were you always hip-hop fans? What hip-hop artists influenced you the most?

Ousco: Of course we were more into old school American hip-hop artists. It was all about Tupac, Dre, etc. But we're more into African Hip Hop lately. Artists suchas Daara J and PBS from Senegal or Tata Pound from Bamako, Mali. We are all strongly inspired by the African artists that we grew up listening to, such as Oumou Sangaré, Ali Farka Touré or Salif Keita.

Mali has such a strong music scene... why did you choose hip-hop instead of other forms of pop or traditional music?

Ousco: Like most young African we have a very strong relation to traditional music but needed to find our own words and melodies to finally make this story our own story. We try to maintain the ancient tradition of the griots in a modern way, The griots have been for ages the voice of the people in Africa, they were able to criticize the power. That is this tradition we try to pursue humbly and strongly influence by the sound of our generation in which hip hop is included. Our attachment to traditions is mostly embodied by Sam's mandingue guitar - with it, we also touch old generations and this is very important for us.

I've seen your music described as "Afro-Rap" and "Folk Rap" - but how do you guys describe your sound?

Ousco: Our music has been described as Afro-rap, Folk-rap, Rap-n-folk or Hip-folk. We let people describe it however they want. But beyond styles and labels, our goal is to remain spontaneous and [to be] the voice of the people.

How do you, as African rappers, distinguish yourselves from American hip-hop or European hip-hop?

Ousco: We live in Africa. Our music reflects our reality, which is quite different from the Occidental reality. Despite all injustices and suffering we try to bring a message of hope and unity to our people.

Sam: Our music is rich of our history and tradition our lyrics talk about hope, we cannot talk for Africa, but to us the African hip hop deliver real messages and is closer to people daily preoccupations, it's maybe what the "bling bling" hip hop has forgotten.

What inspires your rhymes?

Ousco: Wherever you come from, if you ever make it to the place we were born, you will be inspired.

Sam: We live there but still can't believe the world we live in and this is what we sing about, Africa, today.

Sam - your parents are Amadou and Mariam - have they given you any advice or encouragement in your musical career? Are they happy you want to be a musician, too, or did they want you to pursue another career?

Sam: My parents never discouraged me in my musical career. I thank them for that. I am blessed to be part of such a beautiful musical family and SMOD will do our best to perpetuate this musical heritage. Amadou and Mariam are real proud to see me extending Malian music to new territories and genres, and I am happy about that.

I understand that Manu Chao produced your first record - can you tell me how you first met and what it was like working with him?

Ousco: We used to rehearse on the roof of the house of Amadou & Mariam since the beginning, 10 years ago! We called this roof "le 7ème ciel" (seventh heaven). Late at night it's a very nice place to rehearse, just the three of us or with some friends, playing guitar and singing till early morning.

Sam: One night as we were playing music on the roof, there was this guy downstairs. We didn't know him. Because we like to share our music, we asked him to join us. He said yes. He listened to us, he enjoyed, we jammed. The day after we did the same, and he started to record us with a small personal recorder...

Ousco: He asked us if we would agree to give our song "Politic Amani" for the album he was recording with Amadou & Mariam (Un Dimanche à Bamako. We said "Yes, Of course!" A few months after that he asked us to record our own album with him. All this happened in a very natural way!

Sam: Manu is very humble and open-minded. There was never any conflict between us. Simplicity in music is a common goal that we share. Working with him was a great experience for sure! He has respected our music, while bringing his special touch. We were curious about the results but we knew it would work!

You recently played globalFest in New York City. How does it feel to come and perform where hip-hop was born?

Ousco: We are thrilled to present our music the U.S. audience. Starting jamming in Bamako 10 years ago, we would have never imagine sharing our music so widely outside of Mali.

What's next for S.M.O.D. in 2012?

Ousco: 2012 will be a very busy and exiting year: we've got a European tour, U.S. festivals and will be working on the next album, to be released in early 2013.