In Matam, the expression “Uncle Same” refers to a magician of words with feet firmly planted in the Fouta land. Even if he doesn't deny a poetic nod to America, which he dreams of visiting, Amadou Sam – his real name – pays homage to his uncle, whose first name he bears.

Since 2020, Amadou Sam has been committed to bringing the Fouta scene to life with a verb that is both sharp and nourished by oral traditions, in addition to being inhabited by a lucid outlook on the progress of his society.

“I talk a lot about introspection, depression, social criticism, topics related to philosophy and metaphysics,” he explains.

The young man, crowned regional slam champion in Matam for the second consecutive time, has become a key figure in the north of the country in this discipline which is increasingly gaining momentum.

With his scarf tightly tied around his neck and his hat screwed on his head, he paces the wings of the regional cultural center to ensure that everything goes well during the final of the “Regional Slam School Tour.”

During this cultural competition, it was a duo from the Thilogne high school, which he supervised, who won the trophy.

At the break, he's the one the audience is calling for. On stage, his deep, calm voice cuts through the silence, his words captivating the audience.

The room, composed mainly of students and teachers, was captivated, as evidenced by the loud applause.

A week later, in Thilogne again, he performed a slam in front of a high school literature club. He proudly observed the students, especially the girls, to whom he had passed on his passion for crafted words.

A Master 2 student in Modern Literature at the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Amadou Sam claims to be “the voice of the Matam region and guardian of a plural identity, while combining poetic modernity and deep-rooted traditions”.

"Uncle Same", a slam poet who wants to be a champion of identities in Fouta

Writing workshops to pass on the flame

He explains that he chose slam “as a soft weapon to write (his) destiny, awaken consciences and give a voice to the invisible,” emphasizing that he drew his inspiration from his roots and his idols. It is almost with reverence that he speaks of Baaba Maal, whose music rocked his adolescence.

Amadou Sam discovered this musical genre, which he equates with free poetry, during his college years, thanks in particular to his former English teacher.

Later, he joined Tim Timol Slam (rainbow in Pulaar), a collective bringing together young slam lovers from Thilogne, Matam, Kanel, Sinthiou Bamambé, Woudourou, he said.

With Tim Timol Slam, Oncle Same brings regional slam to the national level, through writing workshops, shows, and initiatives which, he says, contribute to the influence of this art which requires a great mastery of the language.

"Uncle Same", a slam poet who wants to be a champion of identities in Fouta

“I have always been inspired by Plato's allegory of the cave, convinced that light is worthless without the shadow that preceded it. My first song, Ying Yang, a duet with a rapper friend, marked my studio debut. Then came Amour immortel, a touching song released for Valentine's Day, which introduced me to the general public and launched my fame,” noted Oncle Same.

The publication of his first texts was followed by local performances in his native Thilogne, in Matam. He then took part in concerts, such as the Slam Night in Guédiawaye, a suburb of Dakar, and the final of the Grand Slam National Poetry Competition.

Presented as the precursor of slam in the Matam region, Amadou Sam has started coaching students who are looking for a path in this musical genre.