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Mao Otayeck

Mao Otayeck Radio

BIO

    Mao OTAYECK, born in the West African country of Ivory Coast, lived for several years in France before moving to Los Angeles then Dakar. Mao has been playing guitar since childhood starting with his 5 brothers, all musicians. His playing style incorporates a variety of musical genres including traditional African music, Reggae, Latin, Zouk, Rock, Funk and even Celtic.
    Mao’s music career began with his encounter with afro-pop legend Cheik Tidiane Seck and Fela Kuti’s drummer, Tony Allen. In 1993, he began a ten year series of live performances as band leader and guitarist for the African reggae start Alpha Blondy.
    Mao's big break began on January 1st 2005 when a demo recording of "Renewal", his song for peace in Wolof and English, caught the ear of Stevie Wonder.
    This marked the beginning of their artistic collaboration at the mythical Wonderland studio In Los Angeles and resulted in Stevie's composition for the song "Wait" and harmonica on the "Carry On" track and release of “RENEWAL” album.
    Recorded in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, YEREDON - the African version of the earlier RENEWAL album – stands for ‘dignity’ in Bambara. It’s an eclectic mix of rock, manding, jazz and pop song in Bambara, Wolof, French, and English.
    A descendant of the the Mandinka Empire, Mao Otayeck drew his inspiration from the traditional Dozo hunters of Guinea within the spirit of the 13th century Malian constitution, the Kouroukan Fouga. This past October, in Dakar, he was invited to share with them, through music, the values of renewal and the protection of our planet; the only house that we all share.
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