Tidiane Thiam makes his guitar sing on “Yewende,” a recurring theme his new album, Africa Yontii sends out into the world. Lithuanian artist and filmmaker Adelina Sasnauskaite captures the heart of Thiam’s music in her video; the everyday moments that make a life. “The story of meeting Tidiane, was similar to how any story goes in Senegal,” she explains, “I came looking for something small and simple and was given something special and ever-lasting.”
“Yewende” winds through the dusty streets and decaying buildings, buoyed by the lilting sharpness of insect choirs, each melodic expression is a treasure map toward brighter days. Thiam’s music contains worlds threaded through folk traditions and memories to arrive in his own, distinct playing style. As seen in Sasnauskaite’s video, this music sits in contrast to the places it comes from, representing a hope for more and a quiet determination to make that reality.
“Tidiane knew every single person in town,” she Sasnauskaite, “and I could feel his strong imprint in the fabric of Podor’s talented history.” And it is that history and Thiam’s generous spirit that sets “Yewende” alight.
Africa Yontii will be released by Sahel Sounds on May 17. Pre-order HERE.
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