Oko Drammeh was born and raised in the Gambia, and grew up as a Disc Jokey for radiostations, night clubs and social events, listening to western pop and rock music on the radio, whilst being influenced by the tradinional music of Africa. As organizer of the renowned African Music Festival, this Gambian born producer now residing in Europe has been a major force in presenting a great variety of African singers, composers and instrumentalists. He is also the creative force behind The Soto Koto Band.
-Founder and Director of the African Music Festival and Director Soto Koto
Music
-
Music Producer for Soto Koto Music and Higher Octave Music
The African Music Festival has been a succes for over fifteen years, bringing the stars of Africa to the international public. He brought stars like Miriam Makeba (South Africa), Youssou Ndour (Senegal), Toure Kunda (Senegal), Mory Kante (Guinea) and Salifu Keita (Mali) to the attention general public. He was also instumental in introducing the music of, amongst others, Angelique Kidjo (Benin) and Randy weston (USA) to the Dutch as well as European public, as well as Manu Dibango (Cameroen) and Osibisa (Ghana).
The cultural diversity between the artists is immense, in such a way that visitors of the Festival can really sample the musical history of the African continent. Aside from the African Music Festival in Delft, The netherlands, there is now also an African Music Festival in John Anson Ford Theater, in Los Angeles, California.
Oko Drammeh is signed to the Higher Octave Music record label in Malibu, California, USA, and has been responsible for the African and World Music realm. working with the Soto Koto Band, he has produced 3 album volumes, and many compilations. aside from the Soto Koto Band. Oko has produced tracks for a number of other African artist, which are featured on compilations containing amongst others Sting, Kenny G, Santana and other great names in world music.
The succes of Oko Drammeh has allowed for the African Music Festival Event to be hosted in France, England, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Oko Drammeh has written on Jazz for Downbeat magazine for several years. "I am more interested in concept, rather than fame and succes. Since we are a cultural organization, I take notice and concern for all these different groups. That's how I keep heart and soul in mind." "My confidence, my intelligence, my meditation -by that I mean my creativity- are my most satisfying part of my life. Europe and America, these are giant continents in the world, and I feel comfortable working with journalists, with radio stations and acting as a professional courier, impressario, producer and writer to promote African culture. These are, at the moment, the most important things in my life."
Oko drammeh [music producer] at the FDS studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
**NEWSFLASH** a new album of Jaliba Kuyateh - Kora Superstar from the Gambia - will be released soon!! contact us for more information