Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by Kevin Cole, host of Drive Time on KEXP, is "Thiante" by Wau Wau Collectif, from the 2021 album Yaral Sa Doom on Sahel Sounds.
The Wau Wau Collectif was formed in 2018 by Swedish musician/producer Karl Jonas Winqvist and Senegal-based studio engineer Arouna Kane. Utilizing over 20 musicians from both hometowns, the two traded recordings via WhatsApp. carefully constructing the album Yaral Sa Doom. “It’s like diving into the sea,” explains Kane in an album statement. “There are all different species of fish swimming around, but together they make the ocean.”
The phrase "Yaral Sa Doom" is a Wolof expression that means “educating young people,” and the theme of education can be heard amongst the traditional West African music. Contributing musician Djiby Ly offers, "Today you must educate children with an instrument and art, when you teach them an instrument you teach them to use their spirit."
