Cheikh Lô was born in 1955 in the small city of Bobo Dioulasso, in Burkina Faso, although his parents were of Senegalese origin. In 1978, Lô moved to Dakar, where he formed part of several local groups until he began to play drums along with the well-known artist Ouza.

In 1985, he moved to France and performed at numerous establishments for two years. In 1989, he met Youssou N'Dour, and a close professional and friendly relationship emerged. In 1990, Lô published his first record titled Doxandeme ('Immigrants'), which earned him Dakar´s Nouveau Talent award. The following year he began to work on the songs of Ne La Thiass, his second record.

In 1997, Lô completed his first European tour and was nominated as a revelation artist in South Africa´s Kora awards. In 1998, he travelled to the United States as part of África Fête, and in 1999 he received the prestigious Ordre Nacional de Mérite de Léon from the Senegalese president. In 1999, he recorded Bambay Gueej, which was co-produced by N'Dour and Nick Gold, and that was influenced by the sounds of Burkina Faso, Mali, Congo, Cuba, reggae and African funk.

In 2002, he participated in several United States festivals and toured through Europe. At the beginning of 2003, he performed several concerts at the WOMAD festivals in Australia and New Zealand.

His fourth record, Lamp Fall, is perhaps Cheikh Lô´s most reflective work. He included upbeat Brazilian rhythms, a Senegalese groove, a sense of fun and colourful warmth, and funk, which clearly represents Cheikh Lô.

Sources:

• Casa África

• The singer´s Myspace

Additional information:

• Casa África participates in the Fuerteventura Music Festival

• Consult the availability of records at the Casa África Media Library