Doudou N'Diaye Rose, whose real name is Mamadou N'Diaye, died on August 19, 2015, in Dakar. He was more than just a musician. He was a living heritage of both Senegalese and African culture who dedicated his life to drumming.
Rose was capable of directing hundred drummers and several rhythms simultaneously. His passion for drumming and African traditional music started at the age of seven.
His career really took off when he met Mada Seck El Hajj, the best drummer in the country at the time, who becomes his mentor for many years. His career in the movie industry began in the 1950s notably in a film by Tino Rosi. But it wasn't until April April 4, 1960 - Senegal's Independence Day - that doors opened for him as he played in front of President Léopold Sédar Senghor, leading more than a hundred drummers.
He was discovered internationally in 1988 at the Nancy Jazz Festival where he was accompanied by 50 drummers. He has also collaborated with renowned artists like Alan Stivell in 1993, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, The Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel and Kodo and a group of Japanese percussionists. He also composed the soundtrack to the film Karmen Geï by Senegalese filmmaker Joseph Guy Ramaka in which he played a major role.
He was given national recognition in 2005 in the Second National Recognition Gala event. Two years later, he worked with the American Rock group Nine Inch Nails on the album Year Zero in a remix of the track The Warning.
A composer and researcher, Rose continuously invented new rhythms, including that of the Senegalese national anthem Red Lion. He also founded the country's first percussion school, and established the first group of women drummers. In March 1991, he recorded a twelve tracks album in Goree Island.
Senegal has lost an icon, a great master of the drums that left his mark, and took Senegalese and African culture to the four corners of the planet. May he rest in peace. AllAfrica Global Media Group presents its condolences to all of the art world and bereaved family.
Translated from French by Michael Tantoh. Read the original article.
