Born in 1973 in Dakar, PAPE CHEIKH DIOUF is from a guewel (griot) family originally of the Sine-Saloum Delta region in Southwestern Senegal. As a youth, he was sent to his uncle to learn the plumbing trade but his passion was music which he pursued in his spare time and ultimately decided was his path to follow. Along with his enormous talent, Pape Diouf is known and admired for representing certain human and social values that are central to the Senegalese culture. His themes, expressed in the Wolof language, are about love and life’s lessons, and especially about ”teranga” – mutual respect, acceptance and hospitality as a way of life. His lyrics speak directly to the hearts of Senegalese everywhere, many of whom live abroad and are nostalgic for their homeland.
His captivating sound and charismatic performances has inspired references to ”the new Youssou Ndour”. Pape emulates his idol who in turn has referred to Pape as ”the future of Senegalese music”.
In 1995, at the age of 22, Pape joined the group Lemzo Diamono where his talent became widely recognised with three major hist: ”Darou Rahmane” (Talla Diagne, 1996) ”En Live Diapason” (KSF, 1997) and ”Coco Rico” (unknown, 1998). After going solo in 1998, several frustrating years passed before his first album ”Live at Biddew (Tribu/lampe Fall, 2003) was dropped followed by a US tour.
It was around this time that Pape met Jimi Mbaye, lead guitarist of Youssou Ndour’s band The Super Etoile, who helped record and produce ”Patir!” (Jololi, 2004) – opening the door to a promising career. The album brought widespread acclaim for the title track ”Patir” – a brilliantly conceived Mbalax cover of Andrea Bocelli’s blockbuster hit, ”Con te Partiro”.
It was also around this time that his band, Le Generation Conciente was launched and has now been together for over 10 years.
International tours and pressure from fans led to the 2008 album ”jotna”, released under the label Prince Arts (formerly Jololi and still under the guidiance of Youssou Ndour). A door has been opened and Pape Diouf was now a star in his own rights.
His album ”Casse Casse” (Prince Arts) with a massive hit ”Begue” that brought Pape to the top.
In July 2012, Pape Diouf succeeded in filling the newest and state of the art venue, The Grand Teatre of Dakar, proving to be a genuine contender for the title ”The King Of Mbalax”. He had a sold out concert a year later at the Zenith in Paris.
Pape recently released his 3rd studio album ”Rakajou” under the Prince Arts label.
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Past Events
Pape Diouf (Senegal) has performed on the following Selam events:
