Assiko Golden Band De Grand Yoff
Magg Tekki
Assiko Golden Band De Grand Yoff is the drum collective from Dakar's nightlife scene. Senegalese poet Djiby Ly (Wau Wau Collectif) is backed by different percussive instruments plus horns, winds, balafon, and the occasional accordion, combining Count Ossie's spiritually elevated polyrhythms with Fela Kuti's orchestra and Tony Allen's groove. Based in the impoverished neighborhood of Grand Yoff and operating as a mutual aid group for the larger community, the band builds its songs on ancient rhythms passed on from Senegal, Cameroon and Gorée Island. In both Wolof and French, Djiby preaches a message of uplift and cooperation rooted in the Sufi teachings of the Mouride Brotherhood, as well as Christianity and animist religions.