Grammy nominated Baaba Maal has just revealed his single release 'Fulani Rock' released via Marathon Artists on Jan 15th 2016.
'Fulani Rock' is a high- energy electronic infused drum driven tribute to his homeland, written about the Fulani people who are close to Baaba's heart as he describes both himself and his people with the title of his new single release.
Spread throughout a wide band of Central and West Africa just south of the Sahara, the Fulani are one of the largest pastoral/nomadic groups in the world, numbering about 20 million. They are the only West Africans to practice pastoralism, and although widely dispersed, there remain strong cultural and linguistic affinities between them. Baaba Maal, who sings in Fula, the Fulani language, has observed how his songs are understood as far east as Chad.
Baaba Maal says of the track ‘Fulani Rock’:
‘Language is a weapon. I’m not using it to destroy but to build bridges and bring people together. I am a messenger of the people so every ones voice can be heard. It is my duty and honour to use my voice to represent my people.’
Remixes of ‘Fulani Rock’ come courtesy of Henrik Schwarz, DJ Spoko and the Mercury Prize nominated Django Django.
The Senegalese music star, cultural warrior, United Nations Ambassador and Grammy nominee Baaba Maal also releases his much awaited 11th album ‘The Traveller’ via Marathon Artists on the same day, January 15th 2016.
‘The Traveller’ album was recorded in both London and Senegal and was produced by Johan Hugo from The Very Best. The record includes Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons, who met Baaba Maal at his annual music festival ‘Blues Du Fleuve’ in Fouta, Northern Senegal.
The release of ‘The Traveller’ on January 15th 2016, is complemented by a six-piece band that will be touring the UK early next year complete with a headline date at The Royal Festival Hall on January 20th 2016.
Other live appearances include:
Wed Jan 13th Kesselhaus, Berlin
Thu Jan 14th Fabrik, Hamburg
Fri Jan 15th Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
Sat Jan 16th Alhambra, Paris
Tue Jan 19th Norwich, Waterfront
Wed Jan 20th London, Royal Festival Hall
Thu Jan 21st Bristol, Colston Hall
Fri Jan 22nd Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall Celtic Connections
Sat Jan 23rd Manchester, Academy
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