Alassane Djigo is one of the top percussionists in Senegal.  He was born into a traditional griot family in Kaolack, Senegal and began playing as a young child.   He mastered his trade quickly, surrounded by accomplished sabar players such as Aziz Seck (who played with Super Diamono de Dakar, Moussa Ngom and currently with Souleymane Faye), Macheikh Mbaye (the leader of the Mbaye Family Drum Troupe), Bada Seck (who played for many years with Baaba Maal).

He began his professional career while still in his teens, with the Super Diamono de Dakar, later known as Omar Pene and Super Diamono New Look.   He recorded some of the most memorable albums in Senegal during this time.  He toured North America, Europe and Asia during his 9 years with this group, helping to establish Senegalese mbalax on the international scene.

Wanting to branch out, he joined Demba Dia and recorded two albums Rock Mbalax 1 and 2, which were acclaimed in Senegal.

Following his years with Demba Dia, he rejoined forces with one of the singers of Super Diamono de Dakar, Moussa Ngom.  Together they recorded and toured Senegal and The Gambia.

Having made his mark on the Mbalax scene, Alassane began collaborating with the National Orchestra of Senegal.  This collaboration lasted until 2011, resulting workshops and collaborations with visiting artists, national and international tours and numerous recordings, including the official theme song for the FESMAN (Festival of Black Arts).  During this time, Alassane demonstrated his abilities to adapt the sabar to various styles of music -jazz, salsa, reggae, zouk, and pop music.

Over his long career, Alassane has worked with innumerable artists and has sought to share his skill with others, taking on students from within Senegal and internationally.   He is now based in Ottawa and looks forward to sharing the art of sabar with Canadians.