Can you explain the origin of Toubab Krewe?
Drew Heller: “Toubab” is a word used in many parts of West Africa where they speak Bambara meaning “foreigner” or “non-African.” So in essence, we are the “Foreign Krewe.” We embrace the idea of being foreigners who have fallen in love with this music. Having spent considerable time in West Africa studying with some of the area’s best musicians and teachers, we are now able to create an original sound within this genre. We took the spelling of “Krewe” as it relates to New Orleans and the history of musical “Krewes” in that region. These are essentially groups of musicians associated with Mardi Gras, but we referenced it to recognize the fertile musical history and background of New Orleans. That city has been a portal for much Afro-centric music through the years where it blended with American music to create jazz, blues, and rock styles. We see ourselves as a part of this ongoing musical and cultural dialogue between West Africa and the United States. Hence “Toubab Krewe.” CG: I see t
