Africando

Africando represents a cross-cultural collaboration between top-ranked, New York-based Latin musicians and African vocalists. While lyrics are sung in Wolof, Manding and French, the group’s sizzling-hot dance rhythms blend classic mambo, Cuban son and New York salsa.

Africando was the brainchild of Senegalese producer Ibrahima Sylla and the Malian, Cuban-trained arranger Boncana Maiga. The original recordings with Senegalese vocalists Pape Seck, Medoune Diallo and Nicolas Menheim were released in 1993 - “Trovador” and 1994 – “Tierra Tradicional”, and were an instant success amongst both African and Latin music lovers. (A recent cover version of their hit “Yay Boy” by Marc Anthony became another Grammy winner!)

Africando’s success led to the release of a further 6 albums and a live recording. The original line-up was expanded by an increasing cast of guest vocalist, which included some of the most famous names in African music. Salif Keita, Koffi Olomide, Sekouba Bambino, Thione Seck, Lokua Kanza and Amadou Balake can all be heard on the aptly named Africando All Stars (released in 2000).

Africando’s final release, “Viva Africando” was released in 2013, the year of the premature death of its legendary producer Ibrahima Sylla.