Meaning ‘The Great Path’ in Bambara, Siraba – the duo consisting of Malian hunter Boubacar Samake and Damien Vandesande, one half of French electronic band dOP – are on a path of bringing the traditional sound of the Wassoulou to the world. They met in 2003 when Damien visited Mali to work with local artists and met Boubacar’s father – the legendary Sibiri Samake. Working together on multiple occasions, the two promised to work with one another and Boubacar on a project one day, and 17 years later, the two connected to begin to develop their unique sound and showcase their shared universe.
The project represents a ‘spiritual resistance, a musical brotherhood between Mali’s traditional sounds and the electronic music realm’. Inspired by the music of the master hunters from across Mali, the ‘Dozo’, the project transmits values based on justice and righteousness, love and respect for others, moral and spiritual rectitude and protection for everyone. Debuting on Damian Lazarus’ Secret Teachings imprint, an outlet for the Crosstown Rebels boss to delve deeper into musical realms outside of the norm and away from the dance floor, the pair will release their debut album in September, with a series of live performances set to be announced. Their first single arrives in early June with ‘Ngana Fôlly’ – a song Damien notes is ‘dedicated to those who fight for the well-being of their families, for unity… a song for the people who also fight a great disease, between life and death’.