Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique: Daara J

Frank Bessem's
Musiques d'Afrique:

Daara J
(Senegal)

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Daara J has been formed by Faada Freddy (Abdou Fatha Seck, MC), Lord Aladji Man (El Hadj Mansour Jacques Sagna), and N’Dongo D (Mamadou Lamine Seck). The name of the band stands for " school of life " (Daara means school in wolof).

Among the hundreds of rap and hip hop bands in Senegal, the music Daara J has a distinguished style, putting the melodie on the forefront. Their albums show a variety of styles, such as soul, funk, dancehall and even Cuban music. They sing in wolof and in french, on their african cassettes the lyrics are mainly in wolof.
Daara J have a message that they want to be heard. The lyrics address issues such as religion (a hot and delicate item in Senegal!), immigration, egoism, and the antagonism between technology and human well-being.

Their 2003 album « Boomerang » is an important release of world class standard, and may convince any music lover even when not specifically interested in hip hop. Featuring rapper Disiz La Peste, Sergent Garcia and Malian diva Rokia Traoré are decisively adding value to the album.

Faada Freddy and N’Dongo D separated from Lord Aladji Man, and the former two founding members continue under the name of Daara J Family. They have started to perform again and to record new songs. A new album is planned for 2010.

Created: in 1994 in Dakar.
Style: hiphop, rap, soul

Discography:

Title	Year	Label	Remarks
Boomrang	2003	BMG France/Subdivision 74321 98393-2	Reissued as « Boomerang » on Wrasse Records WRASS105 (UK)
Exodus	2000	Local cassette
Xalima	1998	Déclic
Daara J	1997	Déclic	Remix of the 1994 cassette
Daara J	1994	Local cassette