After the release of the EP Africa Fair in
October 2020, Dramane Dembélé, aka Popimane, returns with State of Spirit. In this new album, continued logic of Africa Fair, the globe trotting continues its exploration of the boundaries between the musical repertoire traditional from West Africa and
afro-jazz and embarks us on a colorful rhythmic journey.
The Fulani flute virtuoso presents here his instrument in a new, more contemporary light, mixed with modern sounds and electronics. Mandingo memory with electro sauce Popimane draws its energy and virtuosity from the depths of its roots.
It is the Mandinka tradition, originating in West Africa, which nurtures the musical project of the artist. Ancestrally, the griots, sorts of bards, declaim and sing the legends
of this people anchored in Guinea, in Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Gambia. Mandinka music has been carried internationally by artists recognized as Toumani Diabaté,
Ali Farka Touré or Manu Dibango.
He produces his own and discovers it’s secrets self-taught then accompanying musicians in Ouagadougou. He also trains with the master Djiguiba Bari in Bamako (Mali).
In 2005, Dramane Dembélé moved in France where he gave birth to the Kalognouma group with Jérôme Jouanic. In 2008, he recorded Nalouh, an album he composed with musicians met during his wanderings. At this time he does also the meeting of Sotigui Kouyaté, thanks to which Dramane Dembélé makes his entry into the world of dance and theater, as a composer and performer. Popimane has played with great
artists and is now a recognized songwriter on the jazz scene and electro.
Popimane is here with the first single called Angabin and he is preparing to serve us up with new Album on April 7, 2023.
Stream Angabin below;
