The album "I Am Me" is named for its title track, reminding us all to stay true to who we are, and not to become who others want us to be. The songs are rhythmic and colorfully choreographed, and are crafted to lift your spirits and move your feet. Sung in several languages, the songs are catchy (feel free to sing along) with positive messages within. Winner of the 2011 Boston Music Award for International Artist of the Year, Mamadou Diop and his band MAMADOU are known for their eclectic blend of exotic rhythms and powerful percussion jams that will set your feet and spirit dancing! Weaving together diverse musical traditions with the powerful rhythms of West Africa, the unique and high energy music of MAMADOU sets feet and spirits dancing. The band performs original music based on authentic African rhythms and arrangements, composed by Mamadou Diop of Dakar, Sénégal, who takes these fundamental African rhythms and layers them throughout his music. At the heart of MAMADOU's music is the drum. Powerful are the rhythms of Sénégal, making a connection with the soul of each listener. Each musician is given command of separate, offset rhythms, making this music among the most danceable around. Sung in Wolof (Mamadou Diop's native language), French, and English, the songs speak of the importance of love, friendship, and spirit; all in a manner that transcends language and cultural barriers. MAMADOU has been enthusiastically received by club and festival audiences who welcome the opportunity to experience their joyful combination of musical genres. About Mamadou Diop Mamadou Diop is from Sénégal, West Africa, bringing with him over 30 years of musical experience. As a youth, he became interested in playing music when his mother gifted him a guitar. He would go to the river at night and sit by the bridge and teach himself to play the rooted rhythms of Africa on his guitar. Today, Mamadou Diop is one of the most respected rhythm guitarists from his country and an accomplished sabar (Senegalese hand and stick) and djembe drummer. He has an extensive musical résumé and has performed with the most celebrated musicians of Sénégal, including Jimi M'Baye and Mbaye Dieye Faye in The Madison Band, (former band members of Youssou N'dour), Nicolas Menheim and Papa Seck in the band Africando, Musicians from the band Baaba Maal, and the Grand Soda Mama with whom Mamadou toured the West African countries of Sénégal, Mauritania, Cameroon, and the Ivory Coast. In 1991 Mamadou Diop, known then as Modou Diop, joined the West African band Raam Daan led by Thione Seck (former singer for the legendary Orchestra Baobab) and traveled throughout Africa, Europe, and North America. Mamadou settled in the United States in 1996, after completing a World Tour with the band. While in Boston, Mamadou joined Master Drummer Ibrahima Camara's world beat band, Safal. Ibrahima, an old family friend from Dakar, Sénégal, had been living in the United States for twenty-five years at the time. Mamadou brought new energy from Africa to Ibrahima's band. In 1998 Mamadou formed his own band, MAMADOU (briefly known as "Mamadou Diop and the Jololé Band"). Along with performing, Mamadou, a member of the Soninke tribe, teaches about African life and culture. Mamadou has led drum workshops for public and private school programs. Mamadou also teaches weekly drum and dance classes for adults and children. In Africa the expression of rhythm is used to make a connection with the soul. Mamadou expresses the virtues of African culture and, in his very personable manner, introduces participants to an understanding of life and spirit that is so prevalent in his culture. In addition to being a musician, Mamadou Diop is a valued pillar of his communities. He is President and a founding member of A3D, Inc. (African Development through Drum and Dance), a local non-profit organization that supports people in need locally in the Boston area and overseas in West Africa. Through his efforts, Mamadou has been recognized by the Art of Living Foundation and by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His band supports his efforts, with several band members being part of A3D. Learn more about this noble group of people determined to make a positive difference in the world around them. Lastly, Mamadou is known for his unique style of painting, bringing African folklore to life on canvas with traditional scenes colorfully depicted. His art has reached around the world, with a piece even reportedly finding its way to a museum in Moscow. Credits All songs written and arranged by Mamadou Diop. Recorded by Adam Zampino and Mamadou Diop at StoneSound Studio. Mamadou Diop: Lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion Stephen Silbert: Lead guitar Pavel Jirka: Lead guitar Michelle Cherie Foss-Zampino: Backing vocals Mitch Cohen: Drum kit Adam Zampino: Keyboards, bass, and backing vocals