Artists
who's who and who's doing what?Jelitara Futa
- country:Senegal
- region:West Africa
- style(s):Afro Funk
- artist submitted by:
Jelitara Futa are the hottest new band out of Senegal this year. They set the audience alight, everyone dancing to the mbalax beat of West Africa. With breathtaking rhythms, funky dancing and vibrant African pop music. Laye Sow the lead singer has a sensational voice which is often compared to Baba Maal's. Not surprising as they are cousins! Their debut 2003 UK tour was an overwhelming success, and dates are now being booked for 2004. Their first album Mami is to be released in Senegal in December, and will be available on CD in Europe in early 2004.The band play an exciting mix of Afro-Beat, Funk and Mbalax, with a hint of Reggae. Laye Sow is a Fula, and his songs are sung in Wolof, Fula and Mandinka. He is a great performer as well as a singer, and can electrify the crowd - getting them all to dance and sing along with him. Their performance was the high point of this year's Ashton Court Festival in Bristol. They delighted theatre and festival audiences from London to Cornwall - to the Midlands and Wales. Lineup is rhythm and lead guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and a virtuoso African drummmer. For their dates in 2004 the band will also feature an extra African dancer on stage.
