Babdoukkala by Julian Belbachir
Babdoukkala [pronounced BAB DOU KA-LA] is the debut album by highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Julian Belbachir [BELL-BA-SHEER].
Born in Sydney to Moroccan and Australian parents Julian Belbachir was raised in Surry Hills and Redfern at a time when it was densely populated by numerous cultures, all of which he shared with and immersed himself in at a very formative time. It was during this time in Julian’s life that his musical sensibilities where impacted and shaped him into the extraordinary musician he has become.
Babdoukkala is a sonic journey that explores the deep roots of North and West Africa through a contemporary lens and represents Julian’s unique vision and fusion.
The Album features nine original compositions featuring traditional instruments the Kamele N’goni and Guembre with modern production and instruments and contemporary musical styles. Babdoukkala plays tribute to the “griots”, “maalems” and African masters Julian has studied with here in Australia and in Africa. Babdoukkala’s mission is to bring culturally rich music to a contemporary audience.
“My music pulls from a few different styles of traditional music like Gnawa, Mandinka, Wassalon, Dounsou, Takamba and the Desert Blues. It’s also influenced by Dub, Reggae, Funk , Jazz, Drum n Bass. It’s like “future desert blues dub.” says Belbachir
“A good part of my music is instrumental to give focus to the traditional instruments but I also had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing singers on this record from Morocco, Guinea and Senegal”.
A unique blend of ancestral African roots born in modern day Australia the body of work that is Babdoukkala reflects the deep spiritual connection to Africa and the modern influences and sounds of growing up in Australia. Educated by “griots” and “maalems“ and influenced by World, Indigenous and western modern music and culture with Babdoukala Julian endeavours to create and present a body of work that reflects his identity as an Australian with African roots.
“I’ve studied and played with masters of traditional music like Bangourake, Sibo Bangoura & Bocka Juniors and have been working on this album over the past six years”, says Belbachir
Tracklist
| 1. | Mahaba | 2:19 |
| 2. | wassa - Lamine Sonko | 6:08 |
| 3. | Babdoukkala | 7:22 |
| 4. | Home Lands - Malin Sylla | 4:40 |
| 5. | Musik Nomadz | 3:41 |
| 6. | Soudani Manayo | 4:02 |
| 7. | Babalarabi | 3:57 |
| 8. | Bani - Moussa Diakite | 3:42 |
| 9. | Berber Silver | 4:19 |
Credits
Babdoukkala features an all-star line-up of musicians from around the world including Grammy award nominated vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lamine Sonko (Senegal), keyboard maestro Ollie McGill (The Cat Empire), Afro-Latin guitar pioneer Moussa Diakite (Mali), Sufi Music Ambassador Emad Dabbly (Morocco), violin virtuoso Quetzal Guerrero, Q VLN (USA), Guinean vocalist/multi- instrumentalist Malin Sylla.
