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Artist description
Elie Nachif, brilliant musicain and Yellowgate Studio engineerhas gatherd a roster of The Gambia's greatest veteranmusicians, and some rising talents, to create thesebeautiful re-makes of Señor's greatest hits. |
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Music Style
Latin flavored Afrobeat |
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Musical Influences
Wollof, Songhai, Cuba, Latin America, |
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Similar Artists
Santana, Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited, Fela Kuti |
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Artist History
Born in May 27, 1945 in the city of Banjul (formerly Bathurst), The Gambia,a small tourist nation in West Africa, Oussou began a childhood journeyfilled with thrilling experiences, fantasies and achievements. Recalling theheyday, when Oussou and his peer groups cruised around his 'Halfdie'neighborhood, sending signals that their love for music was genuine, anelder brother (maag) of the music maestro, Benedict Biram Njie, a.k.a BB,proudly recalled Oussou's penchant for entertainment. "Oussou's peers andhe would spend the whole day at the family compound, 27 Buckle Street,listening to musical ideas and compositions. His compound, thus, became abase where groups assembled to rehearse, plan and organize some form ofentertainment activities." During Oussou's school days, people like PapTouray, Modou Cham, Badou Jobe and a host of others meet regularly at FoyerDancehall (Hill Street) to exchange musical ideas, make compositions andstage public dances. By then, they were all living in Buckle Street and it'senvirons. At school, Oussou excelled and was always admired, encouraged andsupported by his teachers. Unfortunately for the young Oussou, his fatherhad passed on when he was 9 years old, leaving all the burden of hisupbringing to his mother. His mother did not at first support his deepinterest in music, but finally gave her blessing when she realized howtalented and determined he was in music.During their last days at school, Oussou and his compatriots became moredeeply involved with music, rehearsing at Modou Cham's residence atHill/Buckle Street. A few months before sitting for his final secondaryschool examination in 1964, Oussou abandoned school and joined hiscolleagues in the newly formed band, Eagles - owned by Malick Secka, on atour of Sierra Leone. Membership in the Eagles consisted of the cream ofGambian talents; Modou Cham, Tom Ola Coker Jazz, Pap Touray, Badou Jobe,Sammy Ndame, Marcelin Joseph Kwah. Oussou was then 19 years old and theyoungest member of the Eagles. They were the first band to travel outsideThe Gambia in those days. On their return to Banjul during the Christmasseason of that year, they became very popular, and performed in all thedancehalls in Banjul; Mammy Louisett Bar, Foyer Hall in Hill Street, UAC andBanjul Tennis Lawns in Orange Street and Clifton Road respectively. As with all bands,some members left the group and others were motivated. These developmentsled to the decision to become independent. In that era, independence was noteasy for musicians. Only established promoters owned musical equipment andthe resources to sponsor groups. The decision for independence was a hugeproblem for the Eagles, but in 1968, Badou Jobe, Modou Cham, Pap Touray andyoung Oussou, decided to save their allowances at every engagement topurchase instruments. Several prominent Gambian businessmen and politicianswere approached to assist the band to acquire instruments but to no avail,until a diamond dealer, Solo Darboe, invested in the band. This led to theformation of the Super Eagles. Super Eagles became very popular amongstGambians and in neighboring Senegal, as they toured all the nooks andcrannies of the Senegambian region. Their shows were always sell-outs!Between 1968 and 1971, the Super Eagles made waves in Republics of Ghana,Togo, other parts of West Africa, as well as the United Kingdom. Oussou'sfame soared as the band performed. He was, and is loved, by peopleeverywhere, for his sonorous voice, warmth, and bon homie!Dated: July 2000Story narration by BB NjieWritten by Obiozor Williams ECFor: Faateleku Management, Banjul, The Gambia. |
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Group Members
Oussou Njie Señor: Lead & Backing VocalsDa Fugitivz: Lead & Backing Vocals and RapEric Orji: Pidgin English & Yoruba Greetings Kingdom Brethren: Creole TalkLamin (Perry) Ceesay: Additional GreetingsWole Rendall: Initial Structure ProgrammingElie Nachif: Re-Structure & Additional Programming, Voice & Clap Sampling, Editing, Piano, Horn Riffs, Percussion and Overall CreativityKebba Taylor: Solo Overdrive GuitarModou Cham: Backing VocalsMohammed Konteh: GuitarsMusa Mboob: SabarrMohammed Kanteh: Guitars Alhaji Andrew Kalleh: Guitars Alhaji Savage: Elie’s AssistantEdu Haffner: Backing VocalsLuther M’Pongo: Congolese GuitarsJide Arowolo: CongasPa Njie: “Ameen”Genevieve Cardos, Audrey Onikeh Mendy & Madeleine Gomez: Chorus |
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Instruments
Vocals, and everything a band needs |
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Albums
Best of Faateleku |
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Press Reviews
The legendary ex-Super Eagle belts out his greatest hits on Faateleku Vols I and II, brilliantly recorded and produced by Elie Nachif of Yellowgate Studio in The Gambia. Oussou's nickname, Señor, stems from the latin influence in his songs, which are nevertheless deeply Gambian in language and culture. Proof again of the timeless cycles of influence that stretch from artist to artist, over many lifetimes. Captivating... compelling rhythms... beautiful production... and Ouussou's sonorous voice... an unbeatable combination. Follow the album to more details, liner notes, and lyrics. |
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Additional Info
You feel really good. |
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Location
Eugene, OR - Gambia |
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