Karoo mixes Mandinka music from southern Senegal with Portuguese and Swedish folk music, and the result is a soft, acoustic sound with the members different string instruments and singing traditions at the center.
The Senegalese kora harp, Portuguese/ Brazilian guitar playing and violin based in Swedish folk music are the essence of Karoo’s sound, which is followed by the rhythm section with calabash, and bass guitar. The tunes spread different directions, starting in one person theme or story, the singers shifting in the song, bring in new perspectives as they play.
The lyrics cover themes like co-existence, respect, love, family, and different perspectives between Africa and the Scandinavian countries. The griot tradition of telling stories is part of the show with kora and violin building the scenery behind. Beautiful journey of music conversation and storytelling.
Who are they?
André Nobre (Guitar)
Originally from Portugal, André is a guitar player and singer inspired by the portuguese fado, mornas from Cabo Verde and Brazilian rythms. Besides the project Karoo, he has been driving multiple cross-cultural music projects, involving musicians from more than 50 countries.
Abdou Cissocko (Kora)
Originally from Casamance, Senegal, Abdou Cissocko is a song writer and kora player, who in addition to performing traditional music of Senegal, has also been involved in multiple cross-cultural collaborations with blues, jazz, and other international styles.
Solbritt Cederqvist (Violin)
Originally from Sweden, Solbritt Cederqvist is a violinist and singer with a range of classical and opera to folk and world music. She has been part of multiple projects that has taken her to places like Senegal, France and USA. She has been working with musicians such as Lamine Cissocko, Deodato Siqir and Ebo Krdum.
Other Guest musicians
In our debut EP “Casa” we were accompanied by John Runefelt (piano, accordion), Robin Cochrane (percussion), Sugarray Napunyi (bass guitar), Jens Nilsson (flute) and Emeli Jeremias (Cello).
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karooJourney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karoojourney/
Distrokid: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/karoo4/casa-4/
Press Contact:
André Nobre
luakaroo@gmail.com
