Blog August 14, 2012
33 Years Later, Senegalese Royal Band De Thiès Releases First Album
Teranga Beat is a small label with a handful of releases but so far each one has been excellent. Their latest release is Kadior Demb from the Senegalese group Royal Band de Thiès and it looks to be another fine addition to their catalogue.
The back story to the record is great. The nine-piece led by Secka (né Adama Seck) and James Gadiaga recorded eleven tracks on two microphones back in 1979 that featured progressively roots-y mbalax with unique shadings of jazz and funk throughout.
Unfortunately, it was never released. And while music from the group has surfaced in cassette form, the band never officially released a record while Secka and James Gadiaga went on to have respectful careers on their own.
Now, almost 33 years later, Teranga Beat hooked up with Secka and Gadiaga to finally release Kadior Demb officially on September 10th. The record will also feature liner notes on the group’s history and the careers of Seck and Gadiaga.
To hear a taste of the record, stream some clips below.
