Biography
Born in Dongo Buti, Niger, to a Senegalese father and a Nigerian mother, Ismael Lo entered a Muslim household where his father’s two wives raised a total of eighteen children, yet only he pursued music. The family relocated to Rufisque, Senegal, during his early years. A homemade one-string guitar marked his first forays into sound, while radio airplay of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Etta James supplied early models that he absorbed through repeated listening. Performance remained a private pastime until an older brother who owned a club urged him to appear on the television program “Tele Variety.” Lo initially refused and continued trade-school studies in decorating and painting, but several months later he accepted the invitation. The broadcast created an immediate sensation, prompting him to envision music as a livelihood; a second appearance earned him three hundred dollars.
In 1979 Omar Pene recruited him into Super Diamono de Dakar, whose mbalax-blues fused Cuban and Senegalese rhythms. Lo’s guitar work and songwriting soon elevated him to second lead singer, backup vocalist, and rhythm guitarist. By the early eighties he contemplated a solo career yet hesitated, fearing his departure might fracture the group. The internal strain peaked in 1984, leading him to Spain for painting. After his return he began releasing solo recordings, among them Xalat, Xiff, Natt, Gor Sayina, and a self-titled album issued by Mango in 1992.
Two years afterward came Iso, titled after his childhood nickname. The record drew strong critical notice in France, and Lo toured Africa the next year to promote it. His first compilation, Jammu Africa, appeared in 1996 and featured a duet with Marianne Faithfull; shortly thereafter he shared the stage at L’Olympia with Jane Birken. Following several years of international touring, he issued Dabah in 2001, named for the Senegalese artist Dabah Malik. The French government named him a Knight of the Legion of Honor the following year. Over the ensuing two years he performed across Europe and Africa, then released Senegal and African Nights in 2006.
In 1979 Omar Pene recruited him into Super Diamono de Dakar, whose mbalax-blues fused Cuban and Senegalese rhythms. Lo’s guitar work and songwriting soon elevated him to second lead singer, backup vocalist, and rhythm guitarist. By the early eighties he contemplated a solo career yet hesitated, fearing his departure might fracture the group. The internal strain peaked in 1984, leading him to Spain for painting. After his return he began releasing solo recordings, among them Xalat, Xiff, Natt, Gor Sayina, and a self-titled album issued by Mango in 1992.
Two years afterward came Iso, titled after his childhood nickname. The record drew strong critical notice in France, and Lo toured Africa the next year to promote it. His first compilation, Jammu Africa, appeared in 1996 and featured a duet with Marianne Faithfull; shortly thereafter he shared the stage at L’Olympia with Jane Birken. Following several years of international touring, he issued Dabah in 2001, named for the Senegalese artist Dabah Malik. The French government named him a Knight of the Legion of Honor the following year. Over the ensuing two years he performed across Europe and Africa, then released Senegal and African Nights in 2006.
Albums
Singles
