MODOU TOURÉ
TOUKI – A Journey
Release date: 28th August 2020
Cat ID: EUCD2912
“This is my life story; learning from mistakes has given me the strength and courage to follow my own path.”
Multi-lingual Senegalese singer Modou Touré, heir of the legendary group Touré Kunda, releases his debut solo album TOUKI – A Journey.
Modou’s talent, focus, charisma and passion for music has carried him from Senegal’s capital city of Dakar to the international stage. TOUKI showcases groovy rhythms, Afrobeat, pop-rock and funk, harmonising with sharp guitar playing, bass, percussion and signature silky vocals. A warm, vibrant and rhythmic album.
“A beautiful stage presence, a powerful voice and catchy melodies: Modou Touré has got it all.” - WOMEX
Modou’s voice strikingly echoes that of his father, Ousmane Touré, the inspiration for his choice of career. He has created a strong, personal style based on a refreshing and original take on traditional West African folk music.
A songwriter at heart, Modou (short for Mamadou) sings in Wolof, Soninke, French and English. His songs draw on topics of love, destiny, identity, the hecticness of childhood, family life, relationships, and encounters on the streets of Dakar.
The opening track Touki is a driven, funky auto-biographical story of the journey of a young African man travelling to find a better life. The journey is full of ups and downs and doesn’t always work out as planned. Natou features gorgeous vocals over rhythmic guitar; an empathetic tribute to those in places of Africa that are extremely poor or going through extended periods of famine: “Sometimes these situations or realities become their second nature or destiny”.
Dembeu Wone shares African ancestral teachings; cultural values that have been passed down through the generations. A strong melody carries colourful yet relaxing instrumentation, reminiscent of a cozy moonlit garden performance for close friends. Embarking on a self-made career as a musician takes courage and perseverance, especially when faced with certain opposition and cynicisms. The track Noone talks about the negative people who will smile to your face, but not hesitate to undermine you behind your back. “We find foes everywhere – some will even use evil forces to try and destroy your life, but what will be will be.”
Modou Touré has collaborated with Melokaan and Elendo in Senegal, as well as blues guitarist Ramon Goose in the 2015 ARC Music release The West African Blues Project; “fusion that has actually, genuinely fused” - The Independent. He has performed at Africa Oye Festival in Liverpool as well as numerous gigs in London, amongst them LIVE at MOMO.
“Human nature tends to focus on what tomorrow will bring. Instead we should give thanks and praise for what we have today. Thank you to all the musicians involved in this album, for giving your time, energy and love. Thank you to everyone who has supported the project. I hope you all enjoy it.” – Modou Touré
For further information please contact Amelia Zimmatore | amelia@arcmusic.co.uk | +44(0)1342 770478
ARC Music Productions Int Ltd, PO Box 111, East Grinstead, RH19 4FZ, UK | www.arcmusic.co.uk