The
dynamic performance of the soto koto boand was the highlight of the ninth annual
african music festival in holland. the premier event in african music. The rave
reviews and encores are typical of the band's reception wherever they have played.
this group of preeminent musicians from africaand europe is bringing the powerful
vibrations of africa to people throughout the world with exciting live performances.
the soto koto band emerged to the contemporary music scene with "Gumba
dance!" featuring vocalist Abdel Kabirr. this debut album presented the
gumbay ( goom bay) sound emanating from gambia...the roots of jazz and blues.
The
debut Soto Koto release "Gumbay Dance!"
re-itroduced the Gumbay sound to the world. the traditional sounds of west african
imbued with fiery, new energy blending the powerfull rhythms of african drums
with indigeneous instruments like the kora and the balafon along with synthesizers
and brash horn lines. this album delighted listeners from Alaska to Tokyo, from
Montreal to Minnasota.
"Mandingo
Beat" features the powerful,
distinctive voice of Paps Touray, one of Africa's greatest vocalists, which
is complemented by the Soto Koto Band's vibrant performance. Paps Touray is
a pioneer. He was the first musician to use the african drums in Western pop
music, first using the sabarr drums to create the "Mbalax sound".
He also pioneered the Afro-Manding sound and became an inspiring role model
for many musicians all over Africa.
"The
Soto Koto Band" features
the instrumental compositions of the master composer Paps Touray performed by
the Soto Koto Band, a group of pre-eminent musicians from Africa, Europ and
the Americas unifying a diverse range of ancient and modern influences. the
album received great reviews and was used as background music on television
and cable programs. the mission of the Soto Koto band is to enrich the culture
of the world by fusing the energy and excitement of the Gambian music with the
world beats of the 90s.
Soto
Koto Band
