SMOD

"Makes for perfect summer listening."—Mojo

One of the standouts at the most recent globalFEST in New York City, Malian trio SMOD (plus backing DJ) are pushing the boundaries of traditional African music by combining hip-hop, folk, and Afro-pop sounds into a colorful, energetic, original mix with socially conscious lyrics. The band is made up of singer and guitarist Sam, son of beloved duo Amadou & Mariam, and rappers Donsky and Ousco, who connect with audiences through their captivating dancing and vibrant call-and-response vocals. (SMOD stands for Sam and his friends Mouzy, Ousco, and Dronsky, but is now a trio following Mouzy's departure.) SMOD's current album, which has launched the group into the international spotlight, was released on Nacional Records, recorded in Mali and France, and produced by global pop star Manu Chao.