TO THE EDITOR:
Bouna Ndiaye is a native of Senegal, Africa. He hosts a local radio show in Durham that first aired approximately 17 years ago at WNCU (90.7FM) in North Carolina.
It came about in 1996 when he discovered N.C. Central University, his alma mater, had a jazz station, yet African music was not programmed.
He decided to volunteer to create the show, “Bonjour Africa.”
He had no money, nor did he have any contacts for record labels.
It was a challenge to find music to play on his show, but he managed to do so.
His number one goal was to make sure his show was recognized locally as well as internationally and to ensure that it was well received.
Three years after airing his first show, he became the go-to person whenever African music was desired.
Bouna assisted in organizing one of the biggest tours in 1999, the African Fete. It toured 19 cities, including in Canada.
Bouna was honored to present some musicians such as Baaba Maal from Senegal, Toumani Diabate, Tashma Hall and Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe.
