Dabin Gabiré - Afriki Djamana: Music from Burkina Faso (1994)

«Gabin Dabirè è nato a Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso da una famiglia di sangue reale del gruppo etnico Dagari e approda in Europa, prima in Danimarca e poi in Italia, alla metà degli anni ‘70, per completare gli studi superiori. Immediato il suo contatto con un ”area” musicale alternativa europea, le cui vie lo conducono fra il ‘77 e il ‘78 a lunghi soggiorni di studio in India. A Milano nel 1983 crea il Centro Diffusione Promozione Cultura per promuovere la musica e la cultura africana. Nel 1986 si trasferisce in Toscana, nell’area del Chianti (dove vive tuttora), e l’anno seguente pubblica il suo primo CD, “Kontomé”; alcuni anni dopo, nel 1994, pubblica il suo secondo CD “Afriki Djamana” per l’etichetta Amiata Records. I lavori da lui pubblicati contengono perlopiù composizioni originali ispirati a ritmi e sonorità tradizionali ma con giri armonici caratteristici della moderna musica dell’Africa occidentale.» (Musica dei Popoli)

«Gabin Dabiré's music has universal appeal, it speaks beyond the narrow confines of Burkina Faso or even Africa. […] However, he is truly original in layering various sounds over each other. Each song is indelibly stamped with Dabire's unmistakable trademark tapestry whereby the sound of one instrument is woven into the next, creating sparkling sound waves.

Born in Bobo Dioulasso in the African state of Burkina Faso, Gabin Dabire’s first experiences in music were taking lessons from and playing with the great masters of the traditional music of Burkina Faso. In 1975 he travelled to Denmark and it was while studying there that he was first exposed to alternative European and contemporary music. In 1976 he toured in Italy and afterwards embarked on a study trip of chordophones and Indian percussion. In 1979 his collection of ethnic music of Western Africa was published by the cultural association and music group ‘Futuro Antico’, which he co-founded. In 1980 he formed the group ‘Yelbuna’ with some musician friends of his country, and performed with them in several Italian cities.

In order to consolidate the wide-ranging activities he was involved in, including music, cinema and theatre, he founded the ‘Centro Diffusione Promozione Cultura’ (Culture Promotion Diffusion Centre) in Milan in 1983. This enabled him to present various aspects of African Culture. In 1986 he moved to Tuscany with his family where he organised concerts, produced the record Futuro Antico and completed the recording of his first Cd Kontome (Spirits), which was released the following year. In 1992 he started to expand his repertoire to include crossover music, resulting in a successful collaboration with the Gregorian choir Santa Cecilia.

In 1994 his second Cd entitled Afriki Djamana was released by the label Amiata Records. The multi-faceted career of this composer and musician has caused him constantly to research new timbres and sonorities. He has kept his African origins despite using instruments of other continents and working with western musicians.

The group ‘Gabin Dabire and Musicians’ is inspired by Dabire’s compositions, using harmonies that maintain the character of African music. The collaboration with the saxophone player Daniele Malvisi and the drummer and percussionist Paolo Corsi, who are both very open minded towards new musical horizons, has allowed Gabin Dabire and his brother Paul to explore sonorities and rhythms that have created music that is unique.» (Wikipedia – Click for complete discography)

Other useful links:

Dabin Gabiré’s Official Site

Amiata Records Secret World Catalogue

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