Representing a new breed of Senegalese hitmakers, Wally Ballago Seck's charismatic sound, which consists of seductive earworm melodies carried along by mbalax dance rhythms, is contemporary but rooted in the style of Senegalese icons like Youssou N'dour, Baaba Maal, Cheikh Lo, and Orchestra Baobab. Born and raised in Dakar, Seck spent his early years surrounded by music, due in large part to having a famous working musician father -- Thione Ballago Seck played in Orchestra Baobab and later Raam Daan. He spent his formative years pursuing a professional football career, but despite his best efforts, it never panned out. Choosing to follow in his father's footsteps, Seck turned his attention to music and never looked back. He released his first single, "Bi Dioudo," in 2007, with his debut album, Voglio, arriving two years later. Embracing the mbalax tradition but putting his own unique stamp on the distinctive rhythms and cadences, Seck found success both at home and abroad. Subsequent efforts like 2012's Louné, 2015's Xélwas, and 2018's Symphonie only broadened his appeal, leading to a spate of awards and high-profile performances, including a sold-out show in France at The Zénith Paris - La Villette. In addition to his solo work, Seck has collaborated with notable contemporaries like Sidiki Diabate, Mokobe, Wizkid, Davido, and Vegedream. ~ James Christopher Monger