Led by charismatic Senegalese singer Samba Sene, Diwan is a diverse international collection of musicians, who share a global outlook and love of West African rhythms. An exuberant fusion of funky mbalax/Afrobeat grooves, with undercurrents of ska and reggae; original songs with impassioned vocals, infectious guitar licks and irresistible dance grooves.
Musician Samba Sene was born in Dakar, Senegal, where he was mentored by Baaba Maal, and is now based in Scotland. His style is strongly influenced by a wide range of music, from traditional to funk, rock and ska.
Original songs cover a range of subjects including love, equal rights and outright celebration. Uplifting and upbeat.
Notable gigs include a headline slot at Exhibition Roadshow (London) and appearances at Wickerman, Wizard and Knockengorroch Festivals. He has supported artists including Youssou N’Dour, Vieux Farka Toure and Amadou & Mariam. Guest performances include singing with Orchestra Baobab at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections and with Baaba Maal’s band at the Celtic Connections Club.
Samba Sene & Diwan have been featured in session on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland, including MaryAnn Kennedy’s Global Gathering, The Festival Café and in a commissioned collaboration with Maeve Mackinnon on The Exiles project exploring the theme of exile/migrants in Gaelic and Wolof. Samba has also performed at the Scottish Parliament and for Prince Charles at Dancebase.
The band’s first full length studio album Remind Me (Fatalima) was met with very enthusiastic reviews.
Samba is Artistic Director and a founder of Afrifest Scotland, and a co-organiser of Ndaje: African Connections Club, an occasional event, which features a joyous, eclectic mix of live bands and DJs
What the press have said:
- exuberant, richly layered… ★★★★ The Scotsman
- top quality world music… complex yet accessible… ★★★★★ Edinburgh Spotlight
- an asset to the Scottish scene… catch them live if you can… ★★★★ The List (Jan Fairley)
- a blistering tequila sunrise of a gig… not to be missed… ★★★★ Broadway Baby
- brilliant ★★★★ 3 Weeks
- Don’t miss… Edinburgh Evening News
- Hot ticket – London Evening Standard
Note
Diwan (Wolof – the whole world): pronounced Dee-wan