Mamady

Mamady Mbow was born in Dakar, Senegal in 1973. As a young man he attended the National School of Art in Dakar where he studied painting. While enrolled in school, Mamady’s uncle introduced him to the director of the music conservatory, where he began studying music along with taking art classes.He joined his first band which was called Diawoudji (Universe). They began playing small concerts around Dakar and opening for big name acts. Through this Mamady began to learn the songs of Dial Mbaye to play a tour in Dakar. He played with this band for a short while . A famous Senegalese singer, Mapenda Seck, formed his band Takander (Shadow) in 1995 and Mamady performed with them from the start. They played regularly at a famous club called R.K. in Dakar and also played many other venues around Senegal. With these skills he began to play gigs and do studio recording with many other musicians. Mamady played lead guitar on Doudou Ndiaye Mbenge’s album “Yaakar” and continued playing with him for the promotion of the album around Senegal.Mamady’s lead guitar and unique style led famous singer, Assane Mboupe, to ask him to join his band. His first gig with Assane Mboupe was an annual event organized by Youssou Ndour on December 25th 1997 at Demba Diop; the grand stadium in Dakar. He also played with Boy Marone who opened for Ivory Coast reggae singer Alpha Blondy and played the Dakar 24, another show case festival organized by Youssou Ndour.Gambian singer, Mass Lowe, came to Senegal and choose mamady to play lead guitar for his band along with Ndiaw Bolle a Senegalese drummer. They signed a contract to play in Gambia and traveled between the two countries to perform with Mass Lowe. While in Gambia Mamady started playing with highly renowned Bass player Keba Taylor. Mamady’s guitar playing ability and musicianship was heightened through this connection. They began playing together to accompany Mass Lo and the Ham Ham band and many other famous artists in Gambia, such as Bon Africans, Fugitive, Dance Soul Master, Farrobe, Maslah Be, Maodo Sy and others. They also were the studio musicians at Yellow Gate and recorded with many of these bands. Mamady and Keba Taylor were in high demand and their guitar and bass lines can be found on numerous Gambian albums. They played with the stage band at the FTI millennium festival were several of the bands listed above performed. International acts such as Lucky Dube, and Youssou Ndour also performed at this festival.Famous Senegalese singer, Assane Ndiaye, was in need of a guitar player and wanted Mamady. Mamady decided to return home to Senegal to play with Assane Ndiaye and his band, Ngewel Gii. Mamady went with N.G. band on many world tours to countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland, England, and the USA. They also played four times a week at the Sunset Sahel and many other venues in Senegal and Gambia. Mamady also performed with many other musicians at this time. He recorded with Assane Ndiaye and Ngewel Gii on the albums Ndioukeul and Loukofidiar which included many of his original arrangements. In 2002, after coming from a world tour, the keyboard player, the drummer and Mamady left Ngewel Gii.One week later Mamady started playing with Vivian Ndour and the Diolof band. He then began to play with Thione Seck, one of the top singers in Senegal, in the Killy Mandiaro club. Mamady went on a world tour with Thione Seck and the Ram Dan band. They recorded an album in France called Boul Dof (don’t be crazy) which was a big hit. He returned to Senegal and started playing again for Assane Ndiaye and Ngewel Gii at the Sunset Sahel club. They recorded several new albums: Banial, Loukofidiar, Takoussane Dakar, and Siw with Mamady’s arrangements. He also recorded with Salam Diallo on his album Nokoss and was fortunate enough to play with Doudou Sow on his last album before his death called Thioro Baye Samba.Mamady now resides in the USA where he has played at Lincoln Center with Waaw band. He also played with the Rising Sun band and many other African and American musicians including the Andrew Jackson band. His guitar can be found recorded on Saxophonist Chris Burns newest jazz release. Mamady’s intricate guitar patterns and rhythmic West African style has been influenced by George Benson, Pat Matheny, Mike Stern, Wes Momtgomery, Joe Pass, Jaco Pastorious, John Scofield and many others. His music creates a feeling of happiness and his listeners are compelled to rise up and celebrate.