This year’s WOMAD looks set to be another finely curated musical cornucopia. One of the highlights for 2017 is U.S based outfit Sinkane, led by Sudanese-US musician, Ahmed Gallab.
Glam were lucky enough to chat to Ahmed just before his embarkation on the tour that will bring him to Adelaide-his only Australian concert-after which he will perform in New Zealand.
Born in London, of Sudanese parents, Gallab moved from Sudan to the U.S., with his family, after his father was exiled in 1989. Stints in Utah and Ohio gave him a broad introduction to American culture, and in particular the music, which would go on to be such an influence on him. But when did thoughts of a musical career start for him?
“I was into music from a very young age, he tells us. I remember being given a simple instrument in elementary school and just really taking to it. It just grew from there. My mother was always playing Sudanese music at home, too. So it was all around me. It was a natural progression. “
These joint, major influences of Sudanese music and contemporary beats, are clear in Sinkane’s work, along with other influences such as jazz. Listening to songs such as How We Be it is obvious that he has found a way to blend these different genres and produce a sound which is greater than the sum of its parts. The video for this number is a delightful pastiche of young dancers, on the streets of New York.
“And these weren’t professional dancers, Gallab assures us. These were just people dancing on the streets of New York, coz that’s what people do! We just asked them if they’d like to be in a video and they were all really keen. “
This use of “ordinary” people instead of professional dancers, underpins Gallab’s grass-roots approach to making and sharing music. And he keeps his Sudanese influence strong through visits to the old country, where, he tells us, he often learns a new, traditional instrument, or picks up a new sound.
Just prior to their appearance at WOMAD, Sinkane will release a new album (their sixth), Life and Livin’ It, on February 10th, so anyone not familiar with their work can get a taster of this fresh, life-affirming sound. This album includes the new single, Telephone.
Their WOMAD set will be on Sunday 12th March, in the evening, and Gallab is raring to go, fitting, as it does, so well with his aesthetic and approach to music.
“I love WOMAD. I’ve played there before, and we like to put on a full show for the audience. I also can’t wait to catch as many of the other performers as I can. “
We’re sure those other performers will be keen to return the compliment, and see this genre-bending singer-songwriter.
Interviewed by Tracey Korsten
@TraceyKorsten
@Sinkane
@WOMADelaide #WOMAD
https://www.womadelaide.com.au/
View Sinkane’s latest single Telephone here:
Pre-order the new album here:
http://sinkane.lnk.to/lifeandlivinit
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