Papa Amadou Fall and Cheikhou Coulibaly, born in 1965 and 1961 respectively, grew up in the central Senegalese town of Kaolack and have been close friends since the age of eight. Pape, lead singer and principle lyricist, is the poet and romantic extrovert; Cheikh is the more introspective, yet practical of the two.
After various studies and apprenticeships, Pape in tailoring and Cheikh in law, the pair came together in the capital Dakar to research the music of their own Serer people, delving deep into its mythological riches and unique poly rhythmic structures. Their expansive knowledge of Senegalese music in all its forms was compounded by a growing love for the radio-fed sounds of Bob Marley, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Cat Stevens, and above all, Bob Dylan. A trip to the Barbican in London brought them to the attention of Real World Records with whom they released their European debut ‘Mariama’.
Their CD "MARIAMA" is musically delightful, whether or not you pay attention to the songs messages. Simply magnificent!
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