Simnade

Pascal Diatta is from the Balanta people living in the Casamance (South Senegal), close to the border with Guinée Bissau. He grew up as an orphan, and became interested in the guitar, but poverty forced him to build one himself. Over the years, he has developed a very distinct way of guitar playing, uncomparable with other West African guitarists. He sings together with his wife Sona Mané, following the same rhythm and tempo changes as Pascal’s guitar. The title song of their album, Simnadé, means “listen”, and I have nothing to add to that. A pity that the album, recorded in 1988, is difficult to find nowadays, and it is the only one.

1 Mesin Sedy
2 Bounga Oudistilé
3 Quinto Djiranna
4 Simnadé
5 Adjilabone
6 Gniakintidjé
7 Dioudiou Coumbota
8 Bouly Diatta
9 Farancounda
10 Diasine Mandina
11 Ado Camara Ilé