Press Release: Senegalese Artist Carlou D Invokes the Power of Music to Help Raise Awareness of Female Genital Mutilation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health, Research & Development), an African Diaspora women led campaign and support charity dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of African girls and women, is delighted to be working with celebrated Senegalese artist Carlou D as he uses his music to call on men to get involved in the campaign to end FGM, and to raise awareness and funds for FORWARD’s crucial work. Carlou D and Special guests: Seye and WEIRD MC will perform in a fundraising concert for FORWARD on 21st July 2012 at London’s Roundhouse.

Born in the suburbs of Senegal’s capital Dakar, Carlou D started his musical career as a member of Positive Black Soul: the country’s first, and arguably most successful, hip-hop group, and has been mentored by and collaborated with the legendary Youssou N’Dour. “The part of hip-hop which I have kept in my music is the courage to be direct” says Carlou.

Carlou D’s songs address social issues and political situations mixed with deeply spiritual evocations. This outspoken musician takes listeners on a musical journey from jazz, acoustic roots, soul, to rap and spiritual chants (“˜Zikr’ in Arabic) in a musical style he has termed as “˜Muzikr’.

Carlou D’s performance at London’s Roundhouse will be preceded by a session entitled “Conversations with African male artists” in which he and fellow guest artists from FGM affected communities will share their views and thoughts on how men can play an active role in the campaign to end the practice. They will focus on the crucial role of men in the campaign to end FGM and also the power of music and other art forms to be a platform for achieving social change.

Speaking about the role of music to evoke social change, a representative from FORWARD UK said:

“Artists have the power to move people and influence decision makers (traditional/religious leaders) and parents in FGM affected communities. We believe in the power of music and art to spread positive messages, reach wider audiences and create a positive change within society.” FORWARD

In addition to his performance at the FORWARD UK fundraiser, Carlou D also has gigs at the [Roundhouse](http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/carlou-d-a-charity-fundraise), [WOMAD](http://womad.org/artists/carlou-d/) festival and [We Face Forward](http://www.wefaceforward.org/artists/diabel-cissokho-carlou-d) (West African Art Season).

Tour dates:
19 July – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
21 July- The Roundhouse, London
27 July- WOMAD, Wiltshire
3 August- Band on the Wall (We Face Forward), Manchester
4 August- Chapel Arts Centre, Bath

For media enquiries please contact:
Naomi Reid: [email protected] Tel: 020 8960 4000
www.forwarduk.org.uk Twitter: @FORWARDUK

Editor’s notes:

About FORWARD:

The Foundation for Women’s Health, Research & Development is an African Diaspora women led UK campaign and support charity dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of African girls and women.
FORWARD’s key areas of work are: [female genital mutilation (FGM)](https://forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fgm), [child marriage](https://forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/child-marriage) and related issues affecting women and girls.
FORWARD works in the UK, Europe and Africa to help change practices and policies that affect access, dignity and wellbeing. www.forwarduk.org.uk Twitter: @FORWARDUK
All ticket sales at the Roundhouse events go to the work of FORWARD. To purchase a joint ticket for £15 for the fundraising event and the “˜conversation’, please call Box Office 0844 482 8008.

About Carlou D

Since he was a young man performing with the Hip Hop act “˜Positive Black Soul’ he has sang about social and political issues.
He supports women’s organisations in Senegal and has strong beliefs about the power of music in achieving social change.
He has collaborated with the likes of Youssou N’Dour and graced the stages of world festivals and music venues such as London’s Barbican and Momo’s and will perform at Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD Festival on 27th July 2012.
For more information on Carlou D’s tour see his Facebook page- [Carlou D](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlou-D/264242826213) and Twitter: @carloudofficial

“Sublime” The Guardian “Another great African talent” BBC

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