Abdoulaye Alhassane is often called a master of the music of the Saharan cultures and languages; from Songhai, Sonrai, to Tamaschek, Peil, Toureg, and Zerma. More than anything else, however, he is an incredibly talented composer, arranger, producer and has been a part of a highly successful Niger based band, Mamar Kassey, which toured the world gathering countless of rave reviews. Although playing mainly guitar, Alhassane’s instrumental entourage includes many Central Saharan strings such as Molo and Gurmi and today brings some masterfully crafted sounds further reminding us that instruments… can sing too.
Born in 1963 in Niamey, Niger, Abdoulaye Alhassane‘s music is rich in intricate rhythms, joyous enthusiasm, and beautiful modes; a complexity that stems from growing up in a multi-ethnic neighborhoods in which music was the central part of identity and the daily lives of many. In fact music filled everything from local stores, homes, to radios. But the true inspiration for Alhassane’s later work came from all the cassettes his parents brought from Mali (which included music from artists such as Ibrahim Hamma Dicko and Fissa Maiga). The originality of the sounds and voices he heard made him experiment with his very own style and, after many nights spent listening to his uncle’s band at the local nightclub, Abdoulaye became a full-time musician. Soon he took on mastering flute and guitar while the rest of his band incorporated electric guitar, bass, drums, merging regional folk music with international pop – a combination that led them to win the national music competition and to be the first Niemey music group to travel abroad to record in a studio. In no time Abdoulaye’s guitar mastery was featured on many CDs including Denke Denke (1999) and Alatoumi (2000).
Below you will find the recording of Abdoulaye Alhassane’s live performance with Banning Eyre at WFMU Transpacific Sound Paradise.
Alhassane, however, proved to be much more than a performer. He was also a mentor to many young and aspiring singers, launching careers of Moussa Poussy and many other singers from Niger, for whom he helped to compose and arrange the music that won the hearts of its fans.
Eventually, Abdoulaye’s musical gift brought him to New York City, where he now lives and performs with the current band, Deep Sahara. One day, however, the musician plans to travel back to Niger in order to open a studio; until than, however, he will surely remain one of the most riveting African guitarists in US.
Related Links:
Abdoulaye Alhassane Official Website
Abdoulaye Alhassane on Myspace
Abdoulaye Alhassane on Facebook
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