Alune Wade was born in 1978 in Dakar (Senegal) and surrounded by music his entire life. Alune was six years old when his father led a local symphonic ensemble. Alune’s natural talent for music began at six. Alune began playing the bass at age 13 and he has never looked back. Although his mother was against it, she wanted her son to continue his education and not become a professional musician. However, Alune’s father’s encouragement and support helped him to master his craft and develop a unique voice on the bass. Alune was 17 when he finally got a spot as a bassist for his father’s orchestra after years of music instruction and playing in local bands throughout Dakar. One year later, Alune auditioned for the Ismael lo great Senegalese musician and was selected to be his bassist on all of his worldwide tours. Alune’s debut solo album was released in 2006. MBOLO, which means “unity” Wolof, combines Alune’s training in African rhythms and more modern and contemporary jazz influences. These influences were further explored on his 2010 album AYO NENE. HAVANA PARIS-DAKAR was released in 2015. It is a bridge between Alune’s chosen and native homes (Dakar, Paris respectively) as well as the birthplace and frequent collaborator, Harold Lopez-Nussa, Cuban pianist. http://alunewade.net
