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Ismaël Lô

Ismaël Lô is a distinguished Senegalese musician and actor renowned for his soulful blend of mbalax—a dance music genre originating in Senegal that fuses traditional percussion with international genres like jazz, rock, Latin, and soul— with other West African musical influences. Born in Dogondoutchi, Niger, on August 30, 1956, to a Senegalese father and a Nigerian mother, Lô moved to Senegal where he honed his craft. He learned to play the harmonica and guitar early on, and his multi-instrumental talents have become a signature part of his music.

Lô began his music career in the mid-1970s with the group Super Diamono, but it was his solo work that catapulted him to international fame. His distinctive voice, often described as both tender and powerful, has captivated audiences worldwide, particularly through his hit single "Tajabone," featured on the album 'Iso.' This track gained international prominence after being featured in Pedro Almodóvar's film "All About My Mother." Releases such as "Sénégal," "Jammu Africa," and "Tadieu Bone" showcase his commitment to themes of love, nature, and socio-political issues, often reflecting on the human condition and the spirit of the African continent. Ismaël Lô's music not only resonates with the Senegalese public but also with a global audience, cementing his place as a key figure in the world music scene.

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