Babacars Story

Babacar Biaye is a third generation djembe drummer from Senegal, West Africa. For ten years Babacar played bass, doungdoung, in the group Africa Djembe Junior on his home island Goree- a 20 minute ferry ride off the coast from the capital of Dakar. Goree island has a richly horrific history, as it was from here slaves were shipped to the new world. Its history and infamous slave house museum with the "door of no return" brings thousands of tourists daily to the tiny island. Africa Djembe Junior was the band to perform for and teach the visitors of the island. They have also performed for many big names from around the world, including presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as well as given groups from around the world workshops and lessons in the traditional rhythms.

         In 2008 Africa Djembe Junior performed at the Rabat Music Festival in Rabat, Morrocco. In2009 the group recorded with the Cape Verde artist Mario Lucio on his album 'Kreol' and in 2010 they toured with Italian Sax players Pietro Tonolo, Roberto Rossi, Giampaulo Casati, Giancarlo Bianchetti, and Llich Fenzi on a jazz fesitval tour around Italy.

         Having new inspiration, and a desire to learn/do more, Babacar taught himself to paint. He paints in a traditional West African style using acrylic paint, most commonly on cotton canvas. Though in the true African way he uses whatever may be available and therefore has many cardboard and wooden "canvases." The paintings are vibrant with color and life. The colors he uses, he mixes himself using only the primary colors. Patchwork is used with traditional African material often times to portray African figures, masks and Africa itself. He often times includes several African symbols and motifs within, with themes speaking of the suffering in Africa and the call for Freedom and Unity.

         In winter 2011 Babacar moved with his wife to upstate NY, immediately immersing his artwork into the community. He gave drumming lessons and workshops to kids and adults alike. But after a year in the cold Northeast Babacar decided to move with his wife to sunny California, where he currently resides in Santa Cruz, CA and attended college for music technology and production. He has now added his third art form to his repertoire and creates his own instrumentals and records/mixes/masters other artists out of his own home studio under the name Dual Citizen. Though they cannot be put in any genre specifically as he has a very unique sound they are a sort of hip hop, world, pop and reggae fusion. He recently started DJing AFROBEATS around the bay area. Check out his music website to hear/buy and learn more, www.dualcitizenmusic.com.

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