Mamadou Diouf (musician)


Mamadou Diouf is a Polish musician and writer of Senegalese descent.

Education

Diouf trained as a veterinarian. He first came to Poland in 1983 to study Polish on a language course in Łódź. He then moved to Warsaw. There he was frequently racially abused, including being attacked in the street "in broad daylight".

Musical career

Diouf has released a number of albums and has collaborated with Anna Maria Jopek, Voo Voo and Zakopower.

Writing

In 2011, Diouf published A Little Book about Racism. He has also frequently spoken out against racism in Poland and the use of the racial term murzyn. He also co-authored with Stephano Sambali How to talk to Polish children about children from Africa.

Activism

In 2007, Diouf set up the "Africa Another Way Foundation" to increase "knowledge sharing and communication" regarding African issues in Poland.
Diouf has criticised Poland's first black Member of Parliament, John Godson, who has said that the word "murzyn" is not offensive and that he is proud to be called one. In response, Diouf has said that the word has only had "negative connotations" and that Godson does not know the etymology of the word.
Regarding racial comments said by prominent Polish figures, Diouf has said: "That's the problem in this country. I'm not even talking about racism, but there's no critique when someone says these things."