The Senegalese drummer and band leader Doudou N’diaye Rose, who was named a “living human treasure” by UNESCO in 2006, passed away at the age of 85. His family told state television that Rose died in a Dakar hospital.
“Today we lost our father, our friend, a great man,” his nephew Doudou Ndiaye Mbengue told AFP news agency.
The musician, whose real name was Mamadou N’diaye was a master of the sabar drum and led the Drummers of West Africa orchestra, made up of his children and grandchildren, in mind-bogglingly complex beat medleys. He also conducted his daughters and granddaughters in the all-female group, Les Rosettes.
Born in 1930 into Senegal’s griot caste of musicians and storytellers, the so-called “mathematician of rhythm” was known to have introduced traditional Senegalese music, notably music using the tam-tam, to the world. He performed throughout Africa, in Japan, France and the U.S.
He also collaborated with Miles Davis, Peter Gabriel and the Rolling Stones.
The Master percussionist was declared a “living human treasure” by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), a title bestowed on those highly skilled in traditional dance or music and who transmit their knowledge to younger generations
“I thank the good Lord because children have learned the language of percussion well,” Doudou N’diaye Rose told reporters shortly before his death.
His son Moustapha teaches percussion at the Cité de la Musique in Paris.