Victor Démé

After a 30-year career in Burkina Faso, the Mandingo singer finally releases his first album. In 2007, with the help of journalist David Commeillas and of Soundicate’s activists, they founded the label Chapa Blues Records to promote Victor’s music. The singer started to work on his album in the small studio improvised by the Ouagajungle team at the back of his artist residence in Ouagadougou. The studio is no more than two rooms separated by a truck windshield and equipped with a 16-track console, but it has became the rallying point of numerous talented artists. At 46, Démé has recorded there a unique mosaic of folk blues melodies, intimate Mandingo ballads, and Latin influences, salsa and flamenco. Written in Dioula language, «Burkina Mousso» is a tribute to all Burkinabe women «who built this country with their own hands», as sings Démé. His lyrics appeal to national solidarity («Peuple Burkinabé»), advocate tolerance («Djôn’maya»), and weave hymns to feminine grace («Sabu»). The index ends with two pieces of traditional Mandingo music. This eponymous album presents all the rich heritage of Démé’s repertoire to the public. To celebrate the 10th birthday, the record label Heavenly Sweetness release this first ever vinyl edition.