WASIS DIOP

Wasis Diop, was born 1950 in Senegal. Diop is an internationally renowned singer, musician and composer. He lives in Paris and writes much of his music in French. His song, "African Dream," was a top forty hit in England, while, his soundtrack for his brother, Djibril Diop Mambety's film, Hyenes, was an international success.

Diop says:

"In Africa it's like this. We do not run after life. Life runs after us."

On Africa and development Diop believes that in order for Africans to develop a truly modern society it might have to be modeled on the Japanese experience. The way he understands it, that means first and foremost not to lose your own culture. Lean on it, build on it, but do not exchange it for something "superior." So whether or not you understood the message in his songs, his music is simply delightful.


LISTEN TO WASIS DIOP
Africa Dream