Havana Paris Dakar Alune Wade & Harold Lopez-Nussa

• 1 Aminata 04:56
• 2 Petit Pays 03:58
• 3 Sagô 03:33
• 4 Guajira 03:13
• 5 Yarahya 04:46
• 6 Aye Africa 03:17
• 7 Salimata 02:58
• 8 Independance Cha Cha 02:37
• 9 Nussa Solo 02:05
• 10 Dom 02:39
• 11 Seydou 04:45
• 12 Senegal 03:59
• Total Runtime 42:46

Info for Havana Paris Dakar

This encounter between the brilliant nomad of Senegalese music and the Cuban piano prodigy reflects a stimulating adventure. With solar rhythms, pulsating melodies and tracks moving from cha-cha-cha through rumba, salsa and even chaâbi, Africa takes on the colours of Cuba and Latin jazz. With support from high-flyers, the two leaders are writing a new chapter in the already rich story of the musical exchange between Africa and the Caribbean. Guests include Sara Tavares, Aziz Sahmaoui, Wolfgang Muthspiel and Orchestra Aragon.

Senegalese Alioune Wade alias ALUNE is a virtuoso bass player and a singer with the voice of an angel. He has been the bass player for versatile artists like Ismael Lo, Youssou N'Dour, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Bobby McFerrin, Mamani Keita, Henri Dikongue, Joe Zawinul, to mention a few. Harold Lopez-Nussa is the Cuban hotshot pianist with three previous releases through Harmonia Mundi. A player of astonishing gifts, combining dazzling technique and an abundance of soul, López-Nussa has fully integrated his classical training and love of the jazz continuum with his Cuban roots.

Alune Wade, vocals, bass
Harold Lopez-Nussa, piano
Adel Gonzalez, percussion
Ruy Adrian Lopez-Nussa, drums, bongos
Reinaldo Melian, trumpet
Adhil Mirghani, cajón (on track 5)
Wolfgang Muthspiel, guitar (on track 2)
Orchestra Aragon (on tracks 1, 8, 12)
Aziz Sahmaoui, percussion (on track 4)
Hervé Samb, guitar (on tracks 7, 11, 12)
Sara Tavares, vocals (on track 2)
Amen Viena, guitar (on tracks 1, 8)

Alune Wade
is a Paris-based Senegalese bassist, vocalist and composer dedicated to promoting the musical traditions of his native Africa and making a positive impact on the world through his art. Wade has brought his immense creativity and vision to multiple International Jazz Day collaborations, including the 2021 All-Star Global Concert. Read on to learn more about Wade’s background and accomplishments.

Born in 1978 in Dakar, Senegal, Alune Wade grew up surrounded by music. His father was a leader of a local symphonic orchestra, and Wade ultimately developed a natural talent for music at the young age of six.

At just 13, the bass became his chosen instrument. Though his mother objected, wanting her son to further his academic studies rather than become a professional musician, the support and encouragement from his father inspired Wade to perfect his craft and hone an original voice on bass.

After years of rigorous music instruction and performing in local bands all over Dakar, at 17, Wade ultimately gained a prominent spot as a bassist in his father’s orchestra. Just one year later, Wade auditioned and was chosen to perform with the great Senegalese musician Ismael Lo, touring all across the globe.

In 2006, Wade released his debut solo album. MBOLO (which means “unity” in Wolof) combines his training in African rhythms with more contemporary and modern jazz influences. Released in 2015, HAVANA-PARIS-DAKAR is a bridge between both his native and chosen homes (Dakar and Paris, respectively), as well as the birthplace of his featured and frequent collaborator, Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa.

Wade’s versatile and deep-rooted touch on bass is slowly establishing him as a key ingredient in bringing new vigor to the African jazz scene. His career reached a significant milestone with his fourth album AFRICAN FAST FOOD. Much like his rich and diverse resume (which includes collaborations with the likes of Marcus Miller, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare, Bela Fleck, Bobby McFerrin, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Archie Shepp and late Joe Zawinul, among others), this album gives listeners a wonderful mélange, bringing Africa and all other continents together through music.

In support of the most recent edition of International Jazz Day in 2021, Wade organized an incredible virtual performance of his original composition “Café Oran” with musicians from around the world, echoing his ongoing pandemic-inspired Homes United Project.

Booklet for Havana Paris Dakar