Benyoro, DJ YOUNG CHRIS

In the Bambara language of West Africa, Benyoro means meeting place, and that’s exactly what this group is. It’s about the meeting of traditional and modern instruments, African and American musicians, and centuries-old songs and modern arrangements.

The band members hail from exotic locales such as Mali, Martinique, and Wisconsin, but what brings them together is a shared love, respect, and understanding of the music of the jelis (praise musicians) of West Africa, as well as a desire to modernize it. Patrice Blanchard and Andy Algire form the core of the band on bass and drums, respectively, and the addition of Idrissa Koné on taman (talking drum) and Luke Quaranta on djembe gives this rhythm section an unstoppable momentum. Kora (West African harp) player Yacouba Sissoko and guitarist Sam Dickey alternate between elegant accompaniments and blistering solos, while vocalist Abdoulaye Diabaté floats over it all with a voice that will literally send chills down your spine.

Started in late 2011, Benyoro has since performed at numerous venues in New York City including City Winery, Joe’s Pub, Barbès, Rockwood Music Hall, Cameo Gallery, Sullivan Hall, and Shrine. They also performed at the 2012 Manifestivus in Cabot, VT alongside heavy-hitters such as Toubab Krewe, Zongo Junction, and the legendary Diblo Dibala. They are currently working on their debut album.

In Benyoro’s music, the sonorous, stately melodies of traditional jeliya (praise-singing) are sped up and reconfigured into infectious grooves, but even in the midst of all the movement, the reflective core of the music remains. With this meeting of meditative tradition and raucous dance music, Benyoro is a celebration of the communal and universal nature of West African music.

Deejay Mf-Young-Old-Classy Chris, just a few of the monikers that have followed him around buying, selling & spinning records in NYC, for almost the past 20 years. With hip hop roots & style you can find Classy playing 60s / 70s soul, Latin & other known & unknown goodies on the radio & around town...