Artist Bio:
Malick Pathé Sow appears with his group Welnere.
Welnere, which means happiness in Pulaar, was founded by Malick in Brussels in 1995 with three goals: be a link between the various Hapulaar (Peuls or Fulani) communities in Europe, let the European public become more familiar with Hapulaar music from the Senegal river and eventually bring back to Africa a new music, being the crossbreed of African and European influences.
The music of the group is based on the traditional music of Fuuta Tooro (the semi-desert region of the Senegal river) and features a mix between the Hapulaar's melodies and instruments and European harmonies and instruments. This melting pot is however done with respect to the original music, and one will recognize easily the yella, naale or ripo (the traditional rhythms of the Fuuta) as well as the graceful and Arab-like melody which is typical of the region.
The songs lyrics are about the need to defend Hapulaar culture, the hardship of exile out of Africa, nostalgia of home, the fate of political resisters in Mauritania, etc.
Welnere is becoming increasingly famous in Europe (Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, etc.) and has released its debut CD, Danniyanke, on the new Yoff label, which has been founded by Baaba Maal and Jumbo Vanrenen. Reviews of the CD have been excellent, especially in the specialized press (World, Le Disque Africain).
Lately, Welnere has been playing support for Baaba Maal in Paris (La Cigale) and Amsterdam (Paradiso) and has been playing in the AB (Brussels) in a joint concert with Ernest Ranglin.
Members from the group have diverse backgrounds: Malick Pathé Sow (Senegal, lead vocals, acoustic guitar and hoddu) has been known up to now for being one of the best hoddu players of his generation and was a musician in Baaba Maal's band for many years. Many will be surprised to discover his talent as a singer and a songwriter.
Robert Falk (France, keyboards and guitar, artistic director) had been a jazz musician, then started working and recording in 1989 with African artists both from west and central Africa.
Mamoudou Soma Dia (Mauritania, hoddu) has been a friend of Malick's for a long time, and has had a similar experience.
Martial Parisis (RD Congo, guitar) has always been attracted by the special depth and feeling of west-African music.
François Nys (Belgium, bass), started as a jazz guitarist, then moved on to become a regular bass player with African groups.
Makhtar Niang (Senegal, backup vocals and animation) took part in several groups in Dakar before coming to Belgium.
Christian Thirion (Belgium, drums) played rock before taking courses in African drumming.
Mbasso Bodiang (Senegal, djembe, bougarabous) comes from Casamance and gives percussion courses in Brussels.
Gora Diop (Senegal, tama, djembe, sabar) is the latest addition to the band. He comes from a family of percussionists from the St.-Louis area.
— Courtesy Calabash Music
