MAMADOU DIOP

Mamadou Diop was born in Sénégal, West Africa. He became interested in playing music in his youth when his mother gave him a guitar as a gift. He would go to the river at night and sit by the bridge and teach himself to play the rhythms of Africa on his guitar. Today, Mamadou Diop is one of the most respected rhythm guitarists in his country and an accomplished sabar drummer. He has an extensive musical resume and has performed with the most celebrated musicians of Sénégal, including Jimmy Mbaye and Mbaye Dieye Faye in The Madison Band, (now band members of Youssou N'dour), Nicolas Menheim and Papa Seck in the band, Africando, Baaba Maal, and the Grand Soda Mama with whom Mamadou toured the West African countries of Sénégal, Mauritania, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast.

In 1991 Mamadou Diop joined the West African band, Thione Seck and traveled throughout Europe. Mamadou came to the United States in 1996, completing a World Tour with the band. While in Boston, Mamadou joined Master Drummer Ibrahima Camara's world beat band, Safal. Ibrahima, an old family friend from Dakar, Sénégal, had been living in the United States for twenty-five years.   Mamadou brought new energy from Africa to Ibrahima's band 'Safal'.

In 1998 Mamadou formed his own band, MAMADOU (formerly "Mamadou Diop and the Jololé Band"). The band performs original music that combines African rhythms and lyrics with western musical influences to enthusiastic audiences across the region.

Along with performing, Mamadou, a member of the Sonike tribe, teaches about African life and culture. Mamadou has led drum workshops for public and private school programs. Mamadou also teaches weekly drum and dance classes for adults and children.

In Africa the expression of rhythm is used to make a connection with the soul. Mamadou expresses the virtues of African culture and, in his very personable manner, introduces participants to an understanding of life and spirit that is so prevalent in his culture. Mamadou is committed to sharing his culture and music with adults and children across the region.