SIDIKI
After losing the use of his legs at age 14, SIDIKI was sent away by his family to live in his grandfather’s village deep in the forest. One night, a voice came to him and told him to be happy. He replied: “How can I be happy when all has been taken from me: my family, my friends, my future?” The voice told him to sing and dance and take care of himself. Inspired by his vision, he taught himself to walk on his hands and eventually to dance on his hands. Having found a way of moving that was true to his culture’s traditional rhythms and steps, he reconstructed the ritual steps and danced at his coming-of-age ceremony, thereby reconnecting with his community and his culture in a profound way. Through his singing, dancing, musicianship and choreography he delights, entertains, and above all enlightens people the world over as to the potential of living life to the fullest despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
Produced by Rick DePofi at NY Noise and featuring some of the finest West African musicians in the States as well as top NYC session players, his debut Innova CD, SIDIKI, is a chronicle of his life’s journey.
