Fringe by the Sea: Samba Sene & Diwan
An enjoyable afternoon in the Johnnie Walker marquee. Classic West African sounds, even with a band that is two-thirds white British. The audience age-ranging from 7 to over-70 was a little hesitant at first, but by the end more than half were up and dancing.
First came a warm-up, a short song, quite promising, then at 4.30 exactly came “Are you ready?” “Yes!” we shouted back, at which they all left the stage, leaving at least your reviewer somewhat confused.
Back they duly came and the singer, Samba Sene, introduced the first proper number, ‘The Path’, something about making our way through life. The backing, as too often, was pretty dominant, so it was not easy to make out what language he was singing in. In fact the only two words I managed to catch in the whole programme were, appropriately enough, “Scotland-Senegal”.
Next came ‘President’, a kind of protest song, which he explained was about our cynical untrustworthy leaders, Scotland included, though he granted that Scotland might be a bit better than Africa. The music was similar in mood to the first: foot-tapping, upbeat.
The next number was about his gratitude to Edinburgh, where he has found a welcoming new home. Women begin to get onto the dance floor and the atmosphere is lifting.
Next comes a “true story”, but what the story is remains unclear and for some reason the dancers quit the floor. The rest of the songs come without titles, though he introduces each with enthusiasm. As the programme progresses, more people dance. A small gathering appears on the pavement outside, attracted by the sounds.
Samba Sene has warm contact with the audience, takes the occasional opportunity to do a little dance, palm-beat a rhythm on a drum, even step off the stage among the dancing crowd. He has charisma, without effort or striving.
Last is a song for his grandmother. Then an encore for which the dancers include your reviewer. It’s the kind of music that really works best when you are on your feet and letting your whole body respond.
