Senegalese superstar Pape Cheikh Diouf and New African Production made history with his July-August 2016 tour of North America, making his performing debut in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Montreal and elsewhere, and winning awards for his music and activism.
Presented by New African Production, Pape Diouf and his la Génération Conciénte band kicked off their North American tour in July with a sold-out set of classic m'balax music at Harlem’s storied Alhambra Ballroom. This blazing all-nighter would set the pace for the rest of the tour, which included more sold-out stops at Chicago’s legendary Old Town School of Music, The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, the Monument National in Montreal as well as venues in Atlanta, Rhode Island, and Cincinnati and summer festivals such as the Fete de Marquette in Madison, WI, the Music Haven Concert Series in Schenectady, NY and Philadelphia’s ACANA festival. In Philadelphia, Pape Diouf was honored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with two awards, presented by State Senator Anthony H. Williams —one to honor Diouf’s contribution to Africa’s musical heritage, and the other an “Artist of the Year”award in recognition of Diouf’s support of the handicapped in Senegal, and his nomination by the Minister of Health to lead the Ebola awareness campaign and more. With demand to see him so high among the Senegalese community, New African Production was obliged to add a second date in August, coming full circle back to the Alhambra Ballroom with another all-night affair in honor of Senegal Day.
About Pape Cheikh Diouf
Pape Cheikh Diouf has emerged as one of the most important new voices in contemporary Senegalese music. More than just a prolific hit maker, he draws on his family’s guewel (griot) traditions to sing about love, life lessons and the Wolof ideal of “teranga” – mutual respect, acceptance and hospitality that’s at the core of Senegalese life.
A veteran of the Lemzo Diamono Group, Pape Diouf made his solo recording debut in 1998, and, with the help of his band, la Génération Conciénte, has revitalized Dakar’s classic m’balax sound ever since. His moving songs, captivating voice and charismatic stage presence have earned him a string of hits, including 2011’s “Bèguè”, which made him a bona fide superstar in West Africa – and garnered him more than a few comparisons to the great Youssou N’Dour (Diouf often headlined at N’Dour’s legendary Club Thiossane in Dakar, as well).
His most recent album, Rakkaaju (Prince Arts), was released to massive critical and popular acclaim in Senegal in 2014 — cementing Diouf’s place in the first rank of Dakar musical royalty. Since then he’s toured and performed non-stop, filling stadiums at home and legendary music venues in Paris and beyond. His new album is set to be released later this month!
About New African Production
Established in 2000 by NYC-based Senegalese entrepreneur Birane Sarr, New African Production (NAP) has become recognized as a significant force for the advocacy, and development of international performing artists working in North America. Since our inception, NAP has evolved from promoting long-established African stars to creating touring opportunities for emerging artists based both in the U.S. and abroad. For information about the artists currently on our roster, please visit www.newafricanproduction.com.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at APAP 2018, Americas Hall I, Booth #1143!!
