Yoro Ndiaye is a well-known artist on the Senegalese Afro-pop scene, who has been taking his music around the country for some twenty years. Since an appearance on Putumayo’s African Cafe compilation in 2018, his career has been gaining international momentum. Ndiaye is in Montreal to give his first concert at Balattou on July 25, as part of Cabarets Nuits d’Afrique series. Yaay Kan, which has just been released, benefits from a solid production that highlights the musician’s folk roots, while offering pleasant explorations of rock and even blues on occasion. Yoro Ndiaye’s voice and sway are reminiscent of Youssou N’Dour. Maybe I’m just wandering, but I got that impression. It’s up to you to decide. But, certainly, Ndiaye’s music displays enough rhythmic and melodic qualities, as well as varied orchestral arrangements, to make for a great summer listening. It should also be good to see on stage.
