Daby Touré and Chris Velan (Mauritania / Canada)

Chris Velan and Daby Touré are kindred singer-songwriters who met through Vermont-based world music label Cumbancha and discovered an immediate musical chemistry. Velan, a Montreal-born artist known for his blend of folk, pop, and global influences, and Touré, a Mauritanian-born musician with roots in Senegal and a background in Afro-blues and desert folk, began collaborating in 2019. Their sessions outside Montreal led to the creation of Emissaire Vol. 1, an EP that fuses desert blues, Americana, and soul. Singing in multiple languages, including Wolof, Soninké, Pulaar, French, and English, they explore themes of compassion, love, and resilience, crafting songs that resonate across cultures.

Featured Song:

“Kourou” is a gentle, lullaby-like song that offers comfort and reassurance in uncertain times. Built around interwoven guitars and soft vocal harmonies, it conveys a message of parental love and universal protection. The Wolof lyrics offer solace: “My child, don’t cry / With the blessing of the universe / Everything will be fine.” Repeating the line, “The love of a father and mother is infinite,” the song becomes a soothing mantra. With its tranquil melody and heartfelt message, “Kourou” invites listeners into a space of warmth and emotional refuge.

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