Recording Artists & Musicians
Pape Diouf
Unbeknown to the world, Pape Diouf came to the attention of the iconic legend Eric Clapton approximately 10 years ago! Following his discovery, Mr. Clapton was struck by Pape Diouf's voice, listened to all of Pape Diouf; 's music and watched videos of his live shows. In 2019, the Dresden Music Festival contacted New African Production, and Pape Diouf, at the express
recommendation of Mr. Clapton, was scheduled to play at the Dresden Music Festival (DMF) in Germany in 2020. Internationally acclaimed musician and songwriter Pape Cheikh Diouf has emerged as one of the most important voices in contemporary Senegalese music. More than just a prolific hit maker, he draws on his family’s guewel (griot) traditions to sing about love, life lessons, and the native Wolof ideal of teranga – mutual respect, acceptance, and hospitality – that is at the core of Senegalese life. Born in 1973 in Dakar, Diouf hails from a griot family originally from the Siné-Saloum Delta region in southwestern Senegal. His captivating sound and charismatic performances have inspired comparisons to the great mbalax master Youssou; Dour. Pape Diouf is seen as the likely successor to the maestro. Indeed, Dour himself has dubbed Diouf “the future of Senegalese
music.
Djiby Diabate
Djiby Diabate, was born on April 27, 1986, in Ivory Coast, from Senegalese nationality, he studied as a traditional musician since 10 years old. At the age of 15 he is hired as the first balafon soloist of the Ivory Coast National Ballet. With national and international presentations (Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Holland, Morocco, Japan, Mexico, USA, Cuba, Brazil, China) has participated in various Jazz Festivals International, in concerts of traditional Mandinka music, and in a multitude of presentations in cultural centers and embassies. Ha shared the stage with artists of stature such as Salif Keita, Yousou Ndour, Omou Sangare, and Richard Bona among others. Ha produced five albums as a leader (Konko, Pou Toi, Saint-Louis Blooze Fankanta and Congo, the latter of which were recorded in Mexico with the collaboration of Mexican jazz musicians).
Sidy Samb
Born in Senegal to a Gewel griot family, singer and percussionist Sidy Samb is the son of Daro Mbaye, one of the first women singers in the popular mbalax genre and from whom he learned the foundations of technique and composition. On a visit to Seville, Spain for the 1992 World Expo, he discovered a passion for flamenco music and decided to make his home there. He quickly found his way into the music scene and became a founding member of Mártires del Compás (Martyrs of the Compass), a seminal “nuevo flamenco” band, that same year.
Jah BABA
Jah BABA: A Fusion of Afro-Jazz and Gospel, Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
Oladipo Abiala, known artistically as Jah BABA, is a gifted Beninese singer and sound engineer with Nigerian roots. Born in Pobè, his passion for music is a rich inheritance passed down first by his late grandmother and later by his beloved father. This deep musical legacy has been a guiding force in Jah BABA’s journey. From his grandmother's soulful tunes steeped in ancestral roots to his father’s profound influence, Jah BABA’s entry into the music world was no coincidence. With over 20 years of musical experience, he has honed his craft and developed a unique sound. Jah BABA masterfully blends Afro-Jazz with Afro-Gospel, following in his father’s footsteps while drawing inspiration from the cultural values of Benin. Deeply connected to his traditions, his music embraces African heritage, weaving it seamlessly with modern elements. His latest album is a vibrant fusion of African rhythms, gospel, jazz, and world music. Among its 14 tracks, the standout single, Arise, delivers a powerful message: “Rise, it is time for Africa to develop.” Jah BABA’s debut album launch on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, at the Hall of Arts in Cotonou, left a lasting impression on attendees. With this project, he firmly established himself as a unique figure in Beninese music, merging Afro-Jazz, gospel, and traditional influences. Beyond his vocal prowess, Jah BABA is also a skilled instrumentalist. His mastery of traditional percussion instruments like the batta and gangan reflects his commitment to preserving cultural heritage, drawing from iconic traditions like Guèlèdè and Oro, native to his region. Jah BABA's ambition is clear: to share his artistry with the African continent and the world. His music offers an unforgettable experience, blending the soulful rhythms of jazz and gospel with the rich traditions of Benin and his Nigerian heritage. Jah BABA invites music lovers to explore his talent and the harmonious fusion of two vibrant cultures.
Discover Jah BABA – where tradition meets modernity, and music inspires a global audience.
Herve Samb
Virtuoso guitarist, original composer, and arranger, respected producer, Hervé Samb is a very charismatic individual. He has established himself as an outstanding musician worldwide, with many famous artists such as Marcus Miller, Oumou Sangaré, Salif Keïta, and so many others. His four previous albums as a leader have all been acclaimed by the public and international critics : CROSS OVER (2009), KHARIT (2012), TIME TO FEEL (2013) TERANGA (2018) through which he confirms a unique style, the «Jazz Sabar» born from the rhythms of the sabar this traditional Senegalese percussion, crossing original melodies inspired by both traditional Senegalese tunes and contemporary jazz and BENN (2021) his first solo opus. In 2020, he recorded JOLOF, in which he finds the «Teranga Band» again (born from the album TERANGA) to take the «Jazz Sabar» of which he is both the pionner and ambassador, even further. With JOLOF to be released in 2023, Herve Samb affirms his intention to delve deep within himself, to find what shapes his own identity as a musician and as a human being embodying the values of openness, cultural diversity, and gratitude.
Zoë Modiga
Photo taken by Tatenda Chidora
Zoë Modiga born and raised in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is the quintessential artist who represents the present and future of South African music. Drawing from the human experience, identity and storytelling, she creates a distinct sound to communicate a modern, evolving African story without loosing its essence. As a lively, transcendent performer with a background in classical and jazz training, she is known to enchant audiences into another world while having an evocative individualism in fashion and imagery. Zoë is an independent artist, releasing her debut album, “Yellow: The Novel” and her sophomore album, “Inganekwane," under her label Yelloëwax. She has been awarded with the Glamour Woman of the Year: Musician Game Changer Award 2023, Standard Bank Young Artist Award: Music 2023, South African Music Award for Best Engineered Album 2020, Dopest Album Cover of 2020 by African Design League, Carol Bouwer Mbokodo Award for Music 2018, Mzantsi Jazz Awards for Best Jazz Contemporary Album Newcomer in Jazz and Best Jazz Song (2018), SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition (2015). She is also celebrated with nominations such as: Best Jazz Album and Best African Artist for the South African Music Awards (2018), Female Artist of the Year by the VN Streaming (2020), Best African Jazz Artist at the All Africa Music Awards (2021). The impact of Zoë’s messages has materialised with her being the cover girl for renowned British-based publication, Songlines UK (2020) and a proudly South African publication, Botaki Youth Magazine : Women’s Edition (2020). She also makes an appearance on Netflix series, "Savage Beauty" (2022).
Les Frères Guissé
Les Frères Guissé, meaning "The Guissé Brothers" in English, are a renowned musical ensemble hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich country of Senegal. Comprised of the exceptionally talented Guissé brothers, Bouba and Souleymane, this dynamic duo has captivated audiences around the world with their soulful melodies, infectious rhythms, and deep-rooted African musical traditions.
Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Bouba and Souleymane Guissé were surrounded by music from an early age. Influenced by the rich musical heritage of their homeland, they were introduced to various traditional Senegalese instruments and styles, such as the kora, the balafon, and the sabar drum. The brothers immersed themselves in the vibrant local music scene, honing their skills and developing their own unique sound.Les Frères Guissé's music seamlessly blends traditional Senegalese rhythms with contemporary elements, resulting in a captivating fusion of genres. Their compositions reflect a deep reverence for their cultural heritage while embracing modern influences, creating a refreshing and innovative sound that appeals to a diverse range of listeners. The Guissé brothers' virtuosity is truly awe-inspiring. Bouba's masterful command of the kora, a 21-string West African harp, transports audiences to a realm of enchantment, while Souleymane's rhythmic prowess on the balafon, an African wooden xylophone, adds a vibrant and pulsating energy to their performances. Their harmonious vocals and rich harmonies further enhance the depth and beauty of their music.
Libra Sene
Libra Sene is a native New Yorker. She started singing at a very early age in a musical family. Her uncle Herbert Tisdale was a celebrated trumpet player who toured with several jazz greats. He encouraged Libra’s love of music and learning. She attended the High School of Performing Arts. Soon after completion, Libra was recruited by the girl group MUSIQUE that had the chart-topping hits In The Bush, Keep On Jumping, and Summer Love. They toured Europe and Las Vegas and appeared on television and dance programs. It is with deep and heartfelt sadness that I say we have lost our sister,
friend, artist, Libra Sene, an amazing entertainer and member of our Ne wAfrican Production family. We send our sincere condolences to her family ,friends and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we navigate this part of our journey. Rest In Peace, my sister.
Josh David Barrett
From his musical upbringing in church to performing with today’s top artists, two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, bassist, and producer Joshua David Barrett continues to inspire many through his diverse musical palette. A native of New Jersey of Ethiopian, Hebrew-Indigenous, and Jamaican ascent, Josh David grew up around the top musicians of the day, hailing from Union County same as legendary Funk group, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. His extensive experience as a bassist led him to work with such artists as: Gospel greats, Bishop George Searight & Royal Priesthood, Tramaine Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Israel Hougton; to R&B and Hip-Hop legends Q-Tip (ATCQ), Common, legendary producer Quincy Jones, Mary J. Blige, Joy Denalane, Smif-n-Wesson, Silent Knight, Soul Cycle, Soul Understated, Zoe Mazah, Solange Knowles, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Kanye West to name a few. Recent collaborations include works with top Bluesman and CEO of True Groove Records, Tomás Doncker, renowned Ethiopian singer Teddy Afro, Jesse Royal, Grammy award winning producer Commissioner Gordon (Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Ghetto Youths), as well as Afro-Beat and Dancehall collaborations with DJ Jahmar and Maya Azucena.
Michael Soumah
Michael Soumah
Singing Artist, Cultural Operator, Audiovisual Producer
He began his musical career in the late 1980s, first with the Ndiabott Orchestra (a family orchestra), then with WaatooSita2, an Afro-Beat band, featuring the late Habib Faye as bassist, who later joined Youssou Ndour.
After the group's breakup, Michael Soumah pursued his solo career, a career enriched by collaborations, single releases, and worldwide travel.
Michael Soumah has just released a brand new album titled SYMBIOSE, which is scheduled for release in 2025
Michael Soumah is also President of Club Sono Mondiale (Musical and Cultural Promotion and Production Organization, Consulting Firm for Show Organization), and Director of the "Jazz A Dakar" Festival, a jazz and world music festival. Michael Soumah is also behind the emergence of numerous musical talents and the explosion of the Hip Hop movement in Senegal through his various radio and television programs (RTS-Radio Television of Senegal).
Michael Soumah, born in Dakar, is a renowned Senegalese radio host. He began his career in the media in 1986 and a few years later became one of the best in his field.
A singer-songwriter before becoming a radio host, this jazz enthusiast explores various styles: Afro-fusion/Afrobeats, Afro-zouk, Afro-dance, Afro-pop, Afro-reggae, and Afro-jazz, of course.
A lover of music (of all music), as he sings in "Music," a track from his upcoming album, "Symbiose," released in 2021. A jazz enthusiast, Michael Soumah is behind the emergence of numerous talents on the Senegalese scene and the explosion of the Hip Hop movement in the country
Over the course of two decades, NAP has represented these and other distinguished recoding artists:
- Abdoulaye Diabate (Mali)
- Alioune Guissé (Senegal)
- Balla Tounkara (Mali)
- Brilho de Luz Band (Brazil)
- Charanga Soleil (Haiti/Cuba/Africa)
- Charmanto Nkolé (Congo)
- Cheikh Tairou M’Baye (Senegal/US)
- Fallou Dieng (Senegal)
- Grupo Caribe (Puerto Rico/US)
- King Ibu (Senegal)
- Lucky Diop (Senegal)
- Maï Lingani (Burkina Faso)
- Meta & the Cornerstones (Senegal/US)
- Mor Dior Bamba (Senegal)
- Soukous Stars (Congo/US)
- Velly Bahia & the Kazwa Band (Brazil/US)
- Waflash (Senegal)
NAP continues working to introduce the new generation of African music to the international stage. At the 21-year mark, our work continues, going strong!