Five minutes with Yahael Camara Onono from Balimaya Project
In just a few short years, Balimaya Project has emerged as one of the most dynamic and innovative forces in the UK's music scene, blending the deep-rooted rhythms of West Africa with modern jazz and Western sounds. Bandleader and djembe master Yahael Camara Onono, explains how the collective is redefining what it means to merge tradition and innovation.
Interview: Steph Wilkinson
Image: Adeolu Osibodu
Describe Balimaya Project in three words?
Powerful, proud, eclectic and innovative.
What instruments are played in the band?
All of the arrangements are written around the djembe’s folkloric framework, but also includes balafon, talking drums, kora, congas and also Western instruments like the guitar, keys, etc.
What was your vision for Balimaya Project when you formed in 2019?
To provide an authentic addition to the West African music story. In the UK, there was a lot of pigeon-holing – everything is described as ‘afro-beats’. Mande music wasn’t getting the play it deserved. I wanted to do something different and take the djembe to a virtuosic level.
What are your ambitions for WOMEX?
More work, more gigs and opportunities outside the UK – we would love to do more in Europe and internationally.
“As a musician, making a living from my craft, with the music of my tradition, is the truest thing I am able to do.”
Image: Adeolu Osibodu
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
Our headline show at the Barbican in Oct last year – we expanded the band out to a 27-piece with strings and a horn section and almost 2,000 people came to see us.
What has been your career highlight?
Taking the band back to Senegal about a year ago to shoot a short documentary for our new album, When the Dust Settles and just being in the environment where the music is played with the communities that listen to that music every day.
Best audience reaction?
Love Supreme was really good, having the crowd being really participatory. Our audiences are amazing everywhere, actually. I don’t think we have had a dull moment.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to an eclectic mix – Burner Boy, Youssou N’Dour, Weedie Braimah and Cory Henry… I’m listening to Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, Whitney, Aretha Franklin [laughs] … everybody to be honest.
Who are your top three artists of all time?
Of all time? That is a hard question. Salif Keïta and Stevie Wonder. I’ll get back to you on the third one.
What do you love about music?
Music is an amazing medium to express yourself without grey areas and be the activist you want to be, when you can’t always articulate that with words. It’s music that has given me a sense of identity, when I felt like parts were missing. As a musician, making a living from my craft, with the music of my tradition, the music of my people, is the truest thing I am able to do.
You can see Balimaya Project perform on the Horizons Stage at WOMEX 24 at midnight on Friday 25 October. Their latest album, When The Dust Settles, is out now.
The Horizons partnership is managed by British Underground on behalf of Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales and British Council.
