Senegal: Alune Wade bridges continents with new single

The project blends West African musical traditions with the rich jazz heritage of New Orleans, exploring the deep-rooted cultural ties across the Atlantic.

‘Boogie & Juju’ fuses two iconic musical styles from opposite sides of the ocean, boogie-woogie from the United States and juju music from Nigeria. Wade describes the piece as “a brother and sister torn apart by the vicissitudes of history,” reflecting on the transatlantic journey of African musical heritage.

The track channels the energy of Little Richard’s boogie-woogie, New Orleans R&B, and gospel music, while simultaneously drawing on the Nigerian juju rhythms of King Sunny Ade and Cameroon’s Assiko style. These elements converge with the sounds of Senegalese football chants and the samba beats of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The single features a dynamic brass section led by New Orleans trumpeter Andrew Baham, offering a sonic bridge between Africa and the Americas.

New African Orleans is more than just an album, it is a cultural exploration, accompanied by the documentary Tukki, Des Racines au Bayou (From Roots to Bayou), which delves into the connections between West African rhythms, Lagos’ Afrobeat grooves, and New Orleans’ brass traditions. Recorded across three locations: Lagos (Nigeria), Saint-Louis (Senegal), and New Orleans (USA), the album unites history, rhythm, and soul into a seamless musical experience.

“I explore a world that goes from roots to lost branches on the other side of the Atlantic,” Wade said. “I wanted to go west and start a musical conversation with the best artists, both in Nigeria and the United States.”

The album features both original compositions and reinterpretations of classics, including Herbie Hancock’s ‘Watermelon Man’. Songs such as ‘From Congo to Square’ trace the evolution of brass music from its African origins to its modern expression in the American South, highlighting African culture as a foundational force in the development of jazz.

Wade’s electrifying ensemble brings energy and depth to the album, redefining jazz through an authentically African lens. With New African Orleans, he invites listeners on a cross-continental journey through sound, spirit, and shared heritage.

Renowned for his versatility and innovative fusion of Afrobeat and jazz, Wade is a pivotal figure in the contemporary African jazz scene. Born in Dakar, Senegal, he has collaborated with an array of musical legends including Joe Zawinul, Marcus Miller, Youssou N’Dour, Oumou Sangaré, Bobby McFerrin, and Fatoumata Diawara. His music builds bridges between Africa, Europe, and the Americas, making him a truly global artist with a powerful and unifying vision.