WOMAD

Omar Pene

From Senegal

Youssou's great vocal rival

Had he been born in any other country, Omar Pene would be top of the pile in his chosen profession. But he shares his Dakar birthplace with one Youssou N'Dour and the pair of singers have had to split the limelight throughout their careers. While he's been out-boxed by Youssou internationally, back home it's been a much closer run thing, with Omar's band Super Diamono and the Youssou-fronted Super Etoile enjoying equally fanatical followings otherwise unseen outside of football stadia. Omar has always tackled social issues in his songs - unemployment, education, emigration - and remains a staunch champion of the mother continent. "Someone has to get the message across to the nation's youth that their future lies here in Africa, not elsewhere," he declares. And the youth will listen, as those strident, commanding vocals instructing the head, while the busy rhythms of his band, adding shades of jazz and reggae to the mbalax mix, take care of the limbs.

(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2012)