senegal

senegal : Baaba Maal

A superstar in his native Senegal, spiritual pop singer Baaba Maal was not even born to be a performer -- in West African culture, tradition dictates that the ancient griot caste must produce the singers and storytellers, and Maal was born in the city of Podor in 1953 into the fisherman's caste. Despite his parents' insistence that he become a lawyer, he grew up surrounded by music, absorbing both the traditional sounds of the region as well as American R&B and soul, later discovering jazz and blues. As a teen Maal moved to Dakar, joining the 70-piece orchestra Asly Fouta and teaming with his guitarist friendMansour Seck to form the group Lasli Fouta; during the early '80s, the duo also spent several years in Paris, where they recorded the 1984 album Djam Leelii. Upon returning to Senegal, Maal formed the group Daande Lenol

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/baaba-maal-mn0000061273

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South Africa : Thandiswa Mazwai

Ever since she burst into the public’s consciousness as the lead vocalist and songwriter of Award-winning group Bongo Maffin, Thandiswa Mazwai has been an indelible part of the South African cultural landscape.
With Bongo Muffin – widely regarded as one of the hottest Kwaito bands to have come out of South Africa - Thandiswa recorded 4 albums, performed across the world, and shared stages with musical icons like Stevie Wonder, the Marley clan, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Chaka Khan, Sean Paul, Steel Pulse and Skunk Anansie, amongst others. Amongst the numerous awards and accolades Bongo Maffin received, are South African Music Awards, Kora All Africa Music Awards, and Metro FM Music Awards.

http://www.5seasons.co.za/artists/thandiswa-mazwai/Thandiswa%20Mazwai%20Biography.pdf

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Mandoza (real name Mduduzi Tshabalala) is a South African kwaito musician.

Early life.

Mandoza was born in the Zola South section of Soweto, where he shared a house with his parents, his grandparents and two sisters. When he was sixteen years old he was charged with stealing a car and received a one-and-a-half year sentence, which he served in Diepkloof prison.

When he was released from prison, Mandoza formed the group Chiskop along with three childhood friends, S’bu, Siphiwe and Siszwe.

http://www.last.fm/music/Mandoza

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