TAMALA . CONCERT FOR CEPPE

Tamala, meaning “travelers,” embodies the spirit of exploration, delving into the endless possibilities of blending the kora, violin, harmonica and voice. Guided by a natural musical alchemy, Tamala's musicians move between tradition and innovation, strength and subtlety, dream and reality, north and south. Alongside their musical insight, the musicians share values they seek to uphold through their music. They support a school in Senegal, earning them the nickname “ambassadors
of Ceppe.”

Musically, Tamala showcases their versatility in this album. Of course, there is the powerful voice of Mola Sylla, who not only keeps you captivated until the very last note but also surprises with an impressive range of self-made instruments. Kora virtuoso Bao Sissoko stands out as a gifted soloist with a keen sense of rhythm, as well as a talented composer. On the violin, the highly versatile Wouter Vandenabeele brings a contemporary European touch, making Tamala more than just the sum of its parts. A fourth musician, Olivier Vander Bauwede, has recently joined the project, adding bluesy tones to Tamala’s music with his harmonica.

After Tamala's concert, a dynamic musical session will follow, led by Joachim Thys, who brings his rich musical experience from West and Central Africa, where he spent six months last year. Moussa Dembele, Joël Diarra, Jonathan Dembele, Jan-Sebastiaan Degeyter, Thomas Deckx, Dennis Nicles Cobas, and Angel Calvo Pérez (...) will add extra magic."

This fundraiser concert supports the Centre d'Entraide Professionel pour la Promotion de l'Enfance (CEPPE), a training and development center located in a working-class neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal.

CEPPE provides practical training to young people with limited prospects—such as street children and orphans—aiming to equip them with technical skills in fields like accounting, mechanics, and IT.

Under the dedicated leadership of Oumar Ba, CEPPE helps young people build a future in their own region, creating opportunities for employment and a life outside of poverty, extremism, and exclusion.

Musician Wouter Vandenabeele and De Centrale are organizing this fundraiser concert, with all funds going to CEPPE.

photos ©Dieter Telemans