Balani Fou, by Dj DIaki

Balani Fou

by Dj DIaki

supported by

more...

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

€7 EUR or more
2 x Limited Edition Cassette
Cassette + Digital Album
2 X Pro Dubbed White Cassette with on body printing in silk screened clam shell case with poster insert. Limited edition of 120. One unit per person. Please note that the Cassette edition of the release includes a bonus tape of mixes exclusive to the physical release.

Includes unlimited streaming of Balani Fou via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Sold Out

1.	But Show DD 1 Mix 06:13
2.	But Show Diaki Dj6 04:01	buy track
3.	But Bomou 2 06:21	buy track
4.	But Show Diaki DJ8 07:13	buy track
5.	Calaman Top Mix DD 2019 07:16	buy track
6.	Mix Introu 1 03:25	buy track
7.	MIX Introu 2 02:23	buy track
8.	Shekey Mix 04:21	buy track
9.	Show Time Mix 10:46	buy track
10.	Calaman Diaki 5 04:11	buy track

about

DJ Diaki is Diaki Kone, balani show dj, and radio animator in Sanakoroba, Mali. One of the originators of Balani Show sound system sound, DJ Diaki plays in the style of Balani mix with high energy balafon samples, crashing drums, and live remixes that he calls Balani Fou (Crazy Balani).

“Balani Show” is a Malian phenomena with two decades of history.

Balani Show began in the late 90s, as DJs with sound systems began to animate social ceremonies. The reason was economic – DJs were cheaper then a Balafon group. While this probably occurred simultaneously throughout Mali, the DJ credited as the originator is Seydou Bagayoko. DJ Diaki and DJ Sandji became his apprentices in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Early on, DJs would play cassettes. But to create more dynamic music, they began to augment songs with drum pads: crashing coupé decalé rhythms, cymbals, and whistles. Moriké Keita (DJ Moh) was first with a drum machine. Playing a gig at a nightclub in Bamako, DJs would stop in and dub their remixed versions direct onto new tapes to play at their parties. Over time, more drum pads found their way to Bamako, and DJs begin playing remixes on the fly. This was followed by a brief period of CDJs before the current incarnation of laptop DJs. However, the drum pad is still used, and sometimes even a synthesizer:

Balani Show thrived in the mid-2000s with DJ Senateur performing an official version on Malian television. But in recent years, it has returned to its street culture roots, played in neighborhoods in informal block parties. There is the occasional moral panic, raised by religious leaders, at the site of young people dancing provocatively at night. Occasionally a move will be made to ban Balani Shows, but the legality of the bans are dubious. What the religious opposition has succeeded is in contributing to a general decline of Balani Shows in the capital.

DJ Diaki lives 20km from the Bamako, where Balani Shows are now more common. The village Balani Shows have a completely different element from Bamako – with rapid fire tempos and tranced out loops that extend into mind melting repetition. “It’s much faster in the countryside,” he says. “The people in the village want the music fast. If someone goes to my parties, it’s impossible they dance the whole time.” His video channel illustrates this point. While it may have been the city where Balani Show was born, its back in rural Mali where it has taken on a new form, and where the highest tempo Balani Shows are thriving.

credits

released February 20, 2020

Mastered at Declared Sound
Text by Christopher Kirkley
Graphics and Layout by Kid Gringo
Screen Printing By Wild Smile studios
Photography in Sankaroba by Manu
A special thanks to Christopher Kirkley & Sahel Sounds

license

about

Nyege Nyege Tapes Kampala, Uganda

Nyege Nyege Tapes is a Kampala based label exploring, producing and releasing outsider music from around the region and beyond.

We fulfill orders twice weekly, so most items will be shipped out within 3-5 days of your order being placed, with tracking provided automatically. We ship all records in whiplash mailers with extra cardboard protection.

For bookings email tapes@nyegenyege.com ... more

contact / help

Contact Nyege Nyege Tapes

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Balani Fou, you may also like:

Impazamo
by Menzi

supported by 80 fans who also own “Balani Fou”

Ferocious and danceable, my fave ripley
go to album
Lasakaneku
by Slikback

supported by 65 fans who also own “Balani Fou”
go to album
Tomo
by Slikback

supported by 64 fans who also own “Balani Fou”

good African electronica craig andrews
go to album
Danbe
by Supreme Talent Show

featured on Bandcamp Radio Dec 22, 2015
go to album
José Louis And The Paradox of Love
by Pierre Kwenders

featured on Bandcamp Radio Feb 8, 2022
go to album
MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time
by Pierre Kwenders

The Congolese-Canadian musician's latest is a sensual delight, smooth and funky electronic pop with Congolese folk styles in its DNA. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 9, 2017
go to album
Kubali
by MC YALLAH X DEBMASTER

supported by 59 fans who also own “Balani Fou”

Best album to come out that year. guerrilladigital
go to album