Ismael Lo in Kampala for Friday concert
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- Category: Events
- Published on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 15:29
- Written by Moses Serugo
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Ismael Lo is in town not only to tickle world music palates with his signature harmonica and guitar skills. As he takes the microphone to belt out his familiar songs like Dibi Dibi Rek and Tajabone on Friday January 27, 2012, the Senegalese star will also be lending his talent to helping children of Katalemwa Cheshire Home rise above disability. Lo has in the past used his musicality to support global causes like racism and immigration. While addressing a media conference at Grand Imperial Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, Lo refused to be drawn into the politics of his home country. Senegal goes to the polls next month with Lo's musical peer Youssou N’Dour as one of the presidential hopefuls contesting against incumbent Abdoulaye Wade. “I’d rather talk about soccer than the politics of my country,” Lo said politely. “But any Senegalese that feels they are eligible can run for that office,” he added.
Lo sings in Wolof, Bambara and Serel. One of his lauded skills is his ability to play the harmonica and the guitar simultaneously. His songs explore varied subjects that include love (Dibi Dibi Rek) and social life in Senegal (Tajabone). “I first learnt to play the harmonica and later picked up the guitar much later. I then challenged myself to play both instruments at the same time,” he explains. Lo said the expectation that West African artistes should play the kora is a cliché and that despite his affinity for "Western" instruments, his music retains an African flavour. Lo will pair up with East African kora-playing prodigy Joel Sebunjo at the benefit concert.
Ismael Lo and Joel Sebunjo play at the Kampala Serena Hotel Victoria Hall on Friday, February 27 2012. Time: 7pm. Tickets: UGX70, 000.
MOSES SERUGO ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )