By Caroline Nyanga

His fans fondly refer to him as an outspoken voice from Senegal’s hip-hop generation while majority of music lovers in his country and beyond know Cheikh Lo Carlou as Carlou D.

The Senegalese hip-hop star describes it as fun and a privilege for him to have been part of the group that performed at the Free the billion Hunger concert at Bomas of Kenya last Saturday.

"I am glad to be in Kenya and to be part of the movement aimed at finding a solution to billions of hungry Africans through music," he says.

Carlou D promises his fans more albums. Photo: Boniface Okendo/Standard

Carlou D is known for his remarkable solo performances for the past four years. Clad in his traditional Muslim robes, he told this writer he plans to tour and make an impact in the world with his albums such as Like World Circuit and Seeded.

Carlou D belongs to one of Senegal’s spiritual sects, the Baay Fall, and attributes his musical inspiration to his spiritual leader Cheikh Ibra Fall.

His band, by the same name, is best known for its spiritual roots music, clean living and electric performances.

Born in 1979, in a suburb in Dakar to Ibrahima Loucard, Carlou D grew up under the influence of his father, who initiated him into the vast and varied styles of music.

He dropped out of school at the age of 16 and decided to pursue music ambitions. During his formative stages he would often perform in local stages in his neighbourhood.

"People who loved and appreciated my music often encouraged me to pursue the talent. This gave me the assurance that I was on the right track."

It is his first hit single in 2002 that thrust him to fame, prompting Senegal’s hard-hitting political rapper, Didier Awadi, to invite him to Positive Black Soul, the country’s first and arguably most successful, hip-hop group.

With PBS, Carlou D chose to sing on themes against social ills and political wrongs. He left the band in 2004, when the members broke up.

more to come

The musician whose style comprise essence of the Baay Fall philosophy, specialises in hip-hop, jazz, soul, rap and acoustic roots. He is an exceptional guitarist with a unique voice and infectious sense of rhythm. He says, his second solo album promises the best.

Carlou D points out that purity, simplicity and respect for others are the cornerstone of his thrive in music.

"I hope to come back to Kenya for a different concert when the time is right. It is a good feeling for me to see how much love I have received from the music fans," he concludes.