Born in Bamako, Mali, in the early '80s, Dene is the child of a poet (father) and a comedian (mother). Her father is also professionally a diplomat, meaning Dene grew up in Algeria, staying there until she was 14 years old. In this time, she was exposed to various cultural influences beyond those of her Dogon heritage.
Her voice sweet and soft, Déné liked to sing, and sang wherever she had the occasion. Although her friends and family always encouraged her dream to become a musician, Dene feared this dream was unattainable. Her father even offered her instruments (xylophone, accordion, guitar and piano) to encourage her.
Returning to Bamako, Mali, in 1994, Dene quickly started filling her evening by participating in concerts, including the many underground rap concerts that occur throughout Bamako. The public was curious and astonished to see a girl on the scene singing something other than folk.
After appearing on the album Tougna by the group "King Da Dja," Dene was tapped to appear in the World Cup hyms with Youssou N'Dour, Rokia Traore and Afel Boucoum.
The Dogon people are known for their courage and their bravery throughout Mali. Dene does not disappoint. Rather than leave Mali to continue school in France, she decides to continue her studies in Mali in order to make the most of her musical career. Continuing on, she appears on various albums, including Toumani Diabate's.
Dene's album Ogopo, recorded in the studio Bogolan by Yves Wernert, is an illustration of her multiple and various talents. —Courtesy Calabash Music
