Cheikh M. Smith

b. c.1949, Guinea, d. 3 September 1998, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. A talented pianist, Cheikh M. Smith A.K.A. Smith moved to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he performed in nightclubs, offering his unique piano interpretations of tunes traditionally associated with the balafon (a West African instrument akin to a large xylophone). These can be heard on Toubabou Balafola, Smith’s only internationally available recording. Subtitled ‘The Man Who Plays The White Man’s Balafon’ this accomplished, jazzy album features a selection of traditional tunes, mostly from the repertoire of the Manding people (the West African tribe that Smith was born into), as well as a tribute to Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker. Smith is also known for his hammond solos on Salif Keita's "Mandjou" album. Smith was killed in a car accident in 1998.