Album Notes

Born into the Bizung lineage of talking drum chiefs of Northern Ghana, Mohammed Alidu studied with his father from the age of 3 years old. Alidu’s father taught him the history of his tribe, singing and the language of the talking drum as his ancestors had done before him. By 5 years old, Alidu was accompanying his father to performances at the King’s palace. These performances helped to further open up the world of music to Alidu as he listened to different drum languages being played. At 15 years old, Alidu was considered one of the best talking drum players in the region.

In 1995, Alidu was invited to audition in Accra for the national dance company of Ghana – The Ghana Dance Ensemble. Alidu was selected from over 70 people to become the principal drummer for the company. While with the company, he traveled to the United States to perform in New York, Washington, DC and California. He also performed for President Clinton during his visit to Ghana.

In 2000, the director for Adzido, the largest pan-African dance company in Europe, watched performances of The Ghana Dance Ensemble in Accra. Alidu was invited to relocate to London and join the company, which he did for 3 years.

Alidu has performed in many countries throughout the world. In 2004, he spent one year in Madagascar, collaborating with local artists. It was there that he started to compose and perform his unique blend of Afropop music. The songs were not bound by the idea of fitting into the boundaries and structures of a specific musical tradition; they simply rose from a desire to make music that was both compelling and poignant.


Highlights

Invited, at 19 years old, to perform at the inauguration of President JJ Rawlings

Recorded on Peter Gabriel’s Ovo: Millennium CD in 2001

Invited to perform in Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee 2002

Performed as a solo artist for International Music Night at Albert Hall in London 2003

Performed WOMAD Festival Singapore 2004

Performed with Baaba Mal during his US Tour 2006