Alioune Samb

Born in the mid 70’s in Dakar, Senegal, and surrounded by diverse musical styles ranging from traditional African music, to the more modern Jazz, Blues and Salsa, Alioune's desire was born to play music. Initially wanting to play the bass and influenced by the amazing bass player Habib Faye who plays for Youssou N’Dour, a family member spotted Alioune’s talent on the keyboard and encouraged him to pursue this instrument instead. Alioune started playing with a band in 1995, in the area of Sicap Liberte 4 (Dakar, Senegal) where he was living at the time. The band was called Super Jam and was a talented group of friends. The next band was called Masla Bi (a Wolof word which means to Reason) formed in 2000 and played concerts and events, such as CCF (Cultural Centre French), Tringa in Dakar City Centre etc... Playing the keyboard Alioune continued to develop his own style of music with song writing and arrangement. During this time he developed a relationship with Doudou Sow who was a former member of the popular Number One Band in the 70’s- 80’s in West Africa. Recording on Doudou’s last album, Alioune also played with him at different venues in Dakar and St Louis. In 2001 Alioune started to play with Fatou Guewel one of the top Senegalese woman singers, recorded 3 albums and went on tours with her in West Africa. One of the albums was recorded on Youssou N’dour’s label Jololi Records where Alioune co-arranged the music on a track that Fatou Guewel and Youssou N’Dour duetted on. He went on to arrange and produce several albums, including the group Sexyyi and an artist called Simon. He collaborated on an album by the talented Kora player Fili Cissokho, a member of the griot family (musicians) from South Senegal. In 2004 Alioune went on a tour with the band Jelitare Futa and played several festivals in the UK, including Glastonbury, Womad, Marlborough and some venues in Wales. During his time in England Alioune played with several top Senegalese artists on tour and at venues around London. Alioune continues to embrace diverse musical styles and influences in his music while working on new exciting projects.