Mohammed Alidu, born into the esteemed Bizung lineage of talking drum chiefs, was immersed in the soul-stirring melodies of his heritage from the tender age of three.
Under the guidance of his father, Alidu’s musical education transcended mere notes and rhythms—it became a profound exploration of his tribe’s history, language, and the ancient art of the talking drum. By the age of five, he was already accompanying his father to royal performances, where the hypnotic beats echoed through the halls of the King’s palace.
As Alidu’s musical prowess grew, so too did his wanderlust. Venturing beyond the borders of Ghana, he embarked on a global odyssey that would see him grace stages from New York to London, Paris to Tokyo. Collaborating with musical luminaries such as Peter Gabriel, Baaba Maal, and Ziggy Marley, Alidu’s eclectic repertoire blended the earthy rhythms of his heritage with the vibrant sounds of contemporary music.
Yet amidst his international acclaim, Alidu remained grounded in his roots and committed to preserving Ghana’s rich musical heritage. In 2010, he founded the Bizung School of Music and Dance, a sanctuary where the ancestral rhythms of Northern Ghana found new life in the hearts of young protégés.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s expansion, Alidu’s words echoed with emotion and purpose. “Our history is not written, it’s all oral and spoken through the music,” he declared. “The school is the place that can pass along the tradition and history for the younger generation to understand where they come from in order to know where they can go.”
