Seydi Mandoza & The Solid Foundation feat. Nazarenes & Etzia [Göteborg] Seydi Mandoza born 1978 in Rufisque, a city in Senegal where a passion for music and dance originated in a multitude of different traditions. As a youth he was part of the hiphop-collective Ska Blue who made a hot name for themselves in Senegal and other parts of West Africa. Since the turn of the century he has had a solo career with collaborations on the African continent where he has shared the stage with Tiken Jah Fakoly. About two years ago he came to Sweden where he, with contacts in the local reggae scene, quickly made a strong impression, not in the least through his energetically lovely stage presence (as all those witnessed who were at Youssou N’Dour at Göteborgs Konserthus and saw him reunited with friend Carlou D). This winter, during a usual night at Pustervik, the album “Lafreekano” was released by the independent label Swingkids. At the same time the video to the song “Clandestino” was launched where the African boat refugee’s destiny changed in the blink of the eye. ”I have many friends who have died during those travels,” Seydi tells us during Konono N°1:s latest concert in Gothenburg. His texts are deeply engaging and sung in his first languages Wolof and English. The message is not just expressed with words, but also with his lively vibes, passion and musicality. Mandoza is backed up by Solid Foundation, stars from Gothenburg’s heavy swinging reggae scene who have even toured with Mandoza in West Africa with guest appearances by Kapten Röd and General Knas. It was also along touring the beautiful and fatal West African beaches that the video”Clandestino” was shot. Within this context ”Clandestino” is not just a sort of festival hymn but also for Seydi Mandoza & The Solid Foundation a celebratory visit of Gothenburg’s reggae legends the Nazarenes and the city’s new dancehall queen Etzia. For those of you who wonder where Gothenburg’s reggae scene is heading, here is a super sweet orientation. Big, bigger, biggest up!
