Yakar

After years spent playing percussion in L’orchestre Nationale du Senegal and backing the likes of Youssou N’Dour on tour, Diagne, who now resides in the UK, made an impressive solo debut last year via the label World Music Network’s Introducing series. The follow-up builds on that promise and is a more fully realised and sophisticated work; Diagne’s hushed, smoky voice and unhurried acoustic guitar is accompanied by striking string arrangements and elegant, sophisticated production.

Musically, it’s a pleasingly diverse set, ranging from the Western singer-songwriter-isms of ‘Sey’ to the restrained mbalax throb of ‘Travel’. Other highlights include ‘Emigres’, a heartfelt observation by Diagne on the hardships facing immigrants to the UK under the Cameron/Osborne regime, and a gentle, rippling take on the traditional West African song ‘Casamance’. Both are lifted up by quite stunning violin accompaniment by Griselda Sanderson. Indeed her string arrangements, combining hints of Celtic melody, a swirl of Egyptian classicism and the sound of the Swedish nyckelharpa, are outstanding throughout.