I have the privilege of backing up one of Madison’s most hidden gems, Tani Diakite. He is a musical force who has inspired an entire community of artists. With his Kamale n’goni, a West African ancestor to the banjo, and his plaintive singing, he never fails to drop the deepest blues around. Another driving force of Wasulu music is percussion. The Afrofunkstars are backed up by one of the hottest rhythm sections around, featuring Paddy Cassidy on jembe, Hugo Reynolds on drumset, and Mamoudou Diallo and Djam Vivie on percussion. The funk is rounded out by myself on bass, Peter Baggenstoss on keyboards, and Matt Manske on guitar. The interplay between Kamale N’goni and jembe grooves so hard that audiences can’t stay still – the urge to get up and move is too powerful! I’m happy to announce the release of our new album, Dalonken. Check it out (and buy it) at our bandcamp.

Nungulunba I get a shout-out in this one – Laban