Fatau Keita poised to go places
It was in early April this year that several discerning music lovers started taking note of a young singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist called Fatau Keita when he launched his debut Selina album at the Goethe-Institut in Accra.
Advertisement
Before then, the underground circuit knew him fairly well as a guy with a massive potential who was consistently developing and broadening his outlook.
The material on his nine-track album and appearances at some of Accra’s live music outlets over the last few months portray him as a serious fellow anxious for a breakthrough with music distilled from his Dagbani roots in the Northern Region and embellished with contemporary elements from across Africa.
He plays with his band called Naawuni Bie (Dagbani expression meaning God’s children) and they exude a certain kind of sparkle on stage that often pleases audiences.
At his last major live outing at the Republic Bar at Osu in Accra about four weeks ago, Fatau performed only his compositions in Dagbani, Hausa, English, French and Twi. The songs were sprinkled with familiar rhythms as well as a mix of what he wants to show music lovers.
On tracks such as Africa, Ma Cheri, Sumia Aduwa, Asem Ben Nie and Won Boraa, there is a deliberate attempt to incorporate a wide array of influences, obviously in order to reach a wider market.
Fatau has said on a number of occasions that his major musical influences come from all over Africa but his arrangements and vocal style on stage appear to gravitate somehow toward Salif Keita and Youssou N’dour respectively. He still, however, injects elements that are clearly his own.
Like some of his compatriots from the northern part of this country such as Atongo Zimba, Wiyaala and King Ayisoba who get regular gigs across Europe, Fatau has his eyes on the big picture and believes it is only a matter of time before the big break unfolds.
Fatau and his band played a gig in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, about two weeks ago and they have plans to feature at more live venues in Accra as a way of getting themselves better known to music fans.
The young man who hails from Tamale but was born in Accra is definitely pursuing an act unique to himself and the enthusiasm he displays on stage with his band is ample evidence that they are on the right path to becoming a noticeable fixture on the international circuit.
Songs on the Selina album were recorded by Francis K Osei at Groove House Studio. Dr Marcus Coester and Lionel Agyeman were the Executive Producers.