Boston world music band MAMADOU signs with Loud Dust Recordings

February 20, 2006 (Press Release) -- Boston band MAMADOU, well known for their West African, world fusion sound and their vibrant live performances, has signed with Loud Dust Recordings, a music publisher and label based in Vermont, for the release of their album “Nadine” in either late March or early April 2006. Loud Dust Recordings intends to extend the reach of MAMADOU’s positive music to a larger audience through their quality and constantly expanding network of distribution and retail partners. Loud Dust is confident that the songs on “Nadine” will now become increasingly discovered by a wider array of collectors of world and Afro-pop music. The music of MAMADOU on “Nadine” will be available in the U.S. and many International music markets. Loud Dust expects “Nadine” to be available to MAMADOU fans by early spring 2006 and will announce the actual release date at the beginning of March.

Led by the irresistible stage presence of master rhythm guitarist and drummer Mamadou Diop (pronounced 'maa-maa-doo jop'), MAMADOU is known in Boston and New England for their high-energy performances that present a world-class cultural experience. Mamadou Diop blends various styles with his native Senegalese rhythms. The songs of MAMADOU encompass a variety of musical styles such as Reggae, Latin/Cuban, Cross-rhythm and live improvisation. The guitar and drum led West-African pop sound of MAMADOU includes the rhythms of high-life, juju, rumba, samba, salsa, and reggae blended into authentic Senegalese ethnic rhythms. Although MAMADOU's songs are primarily sung in Wolof, the language of their music is universal and their audiences instantly react with joyful dancing. Before deciding to build a future with Loud Dust Recordings, MAMADOU has steadily achieved musical milestones for the group including performing at the Bethlehem Musikfest in 2001, receiving a Boston Music Awards nomination in 2002 for "Outstanding World Music Act”, performing for the Portland, Maine New Years in 2002, showcasing at NEMO in Boston in 2002 and 2003, and placing music on the iTunes Essentials Compilation in April, 2005. Prior to coming to the U.S., MAMADOU leader Mamadou Diop (known throughout West Africa as Modou Diop) was considered one of the great rhythm guitarists in Senegal. Touring Africa, Europe and Canada while performing with some of Senegal's most noted musicians and bands such as Orchestra Baobab, Baaba Maal, Youssou N'Dour and Thione Seck, the immensely talented Mamadou Diop has been an integral part of the wonderful, multicultural band MAMADOU that puts forth a superb sound with their command of African poly-rhythms. The band consists of musicians Pavel Jirka on lead guitar, Adam Zampino on keyboards & backing vocals, Erik Millett on bass, Michelle Cherie on backing vocals, Jennifer Millett on djembe & sabar & backing vocals and Mitch Cohen on drum kit as well as guest percussionists and dancers. For more information on MAMADOU email mamadou@louddust.com or visit http://www.louddust.com and http://www.mamadou.com