Jam Groove

Show Name: Jam Groove

"Like an African version of Jamaica's Sly & Robbie, Jam Groove are the London-based Senegalese rhythm duo of drummer Oumar Diagne and bassist Assane Ba." says Nigel Williamson for Songlines Expect to hear music that crosses boundaries and is a fusion of some of Africa’s greatest sounds, the band describes their sound as Afro djiaxas (djiaxas meaning patchwork in Senegal's Wolof language) as its roots are in Senegal but it is inspired by and incorporates elements of salsa, afrobeat, high life and afro jazz. Jam Groove is an exciting musical project created by Senegalese musicians Oumar Diagne (drummer) and Assane Ba (bassist). They have 45 years combined experience touring the world with some of Senegal’s greats-Thione Seck, Ndongo Lo, Fatou Guewel, Doudou Sow to name but a few. As London based artists they have performed with Diabel Cissokho mainly, performing at Royal Festival Hall, Band on the Wall, Jazz Café, WOMAD, Africa Oye, Mangrove Jazz Festival, WOMAD and many more. Oumar is the son of Bassirou Diagne, a founding member of Senegal’s most loved group Super Diamono, this rich musical history and their upbringing in vibrant Dakar inspired them to create Jam Groove. Their debut album Diaxas was recorded in Dakar with some of West Africa’s greatest musicians: Alain Ayono from Youssou Ndour’s Super Etoile group, Assane Ndoye guitarist with Baaba Maal, Papis Ndiaye keyboardist with Wally Seck, Maguette Fall percussionist with Angelique Kidjo, Cheikh Anta Ndiaye percussionist with Wally Seck and formerly of Positive Black Soul, Vieux Sall vocalist and Destine a Congolese singer/songwriter based in London formerly worked with afro jazz band Ayetoro. Their current 4 piece UK band features Batch Gueye as lead singer. Fee negotiable depending on the venue capacity.