CHEICK OUMAR MAIGA "MAICHER" The precursor of the rabbadostyle Founder of the group Rabba Boyz, Cheick Oumar Maïga, alias Maicher B (nickname composed of his first name and of his nickname Barou) is now alone even if he stays faithful to the style of the band. Born in Dakar (Senegal), the young Cheick Oumar was very early intersted by music. A passion appeased by the listening of hits of the Bembeya Jazz, the Band Rail, the very powerful Ok Jazz, James Brown, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, etc. A varied choice which revealled the still unsuspected talent of the child. And the destiny gradually accomplished "Almost every day, we followed the soldiers when they returned to their place. When we arrived at home, we interpreted their songs with our arranged instruments ", explains Barou. From competitions of dance toparty times passing by school ballets, Cheick Oumar will not cease appearing in front of public. An intense artistic activity which did not prevent him to continue his studies until the obtention of the diplomas of Informant in customs and accountancy at the CFTQ (1992-93). At the same time passioned of music and sport, our Artist first illustrated himself as a lover of the " Break Dance " at the beginning of the Eighties, he seized all the occasions to show his know-how. That’s how he took part in all the artistic and cultural activities of his school. At the end of the Eighties, Mali is marked like everywhere in Africa by an awakening of the youth which does not see itself any more like a spectator but rather like an actor in the whole sociocultural and economic life, that’s why small groups are create everywhere in order to bring their vision to the construction of their Country. Thus, Maicher B illustrated himself for the first time in sport (Gymnastic, Karate, Basket, and football). As he was a good pupil, he thereafter became the manager of a gymnastics center where he received sportsmen of the various clubs of the capital. At that time, he was called Rochby (as interprets) and Master (as trainer).At the beginning of the Nineties, Hip Hop makes a crashing entry on the continent, people began to speak because the authorities cracked under the pressure of the street. There was an emergence of rap groups everywhere. In Mali, one of the first groups of rap was called Rabba Boyz composed of Malick Sacko (M’S Lickson), Amadou Konaté (Mondieu Gaspary) and of Maicher B.The young group is distinguished by songs like "Oh! You Girl "," Am Rastaman "and" Bintou Furubèsa ". This last hit remained a long time at the top of the Malian Hits. One year later, they came back with "Banyèrèye" which conveyed their crusty: rabbadostyle. "it’s reggamuffin combined t other musical styles" "Since I’m alone, I mix it with funk, R&B, rap, Techno… "explains Maicher B. The style pleased every where and th band became the favourite of the youth. From the first edition of the " Jouvence Show" to the ceremony "Ciwara" passing by the meetings of the African photography of Bamako, "Echo Sida", Tabalé…the Rabba Boyz are back in all the great cultural and artistic events of the country. So they released their first album in 1997. It was followed by shows in the capital and everywhere in the country. But, instead of consolidating them, this success weakens the relations within the group. In 1998, th band exploded and every body occupied himself in something else before they reunite in 2002. Quarrel of leadership or ardour of youth, in any case the evil is already made since the reuniting last only one year. The rupture is definitively consumed.Our raper then decides to fly with his own wings "Kankeletigui", this single song allowed him to stay in touch with his fans. " the experience with my comrades was very enriching for me. The spirit of band, the exchanges allowed me to progress in my career and to have enough ideas to launch my solo career ", explains Maicher B who remained faithful to the rabbadostyle style. Performances and featuring with friends like Yeli Fuzzo, Ta K Mi, etc. allowed him to be remarked. He took advantage of that to record his first solo album. A opus on which he invited Diata Sya, OBJI, Ta K Mi, Raphaël, Doc., Filany, cool T J and Banks to convey messages of peace, of union and synergy of actions "to build the country" The engaged rapper hopes that this album will enable him to reconquer the music lovers of the country and to cut through a path towards the international show biz. Legitimate aspiration for an ambitious artist. The editorial staff
	04/04/2004