Aïyb Dieng is a Senegalese drummer and percussionist specializing in hand drums. He has recorded one solo album (1997's Rhythmagick), and has worked with a wide range of musicians but is perhaps best known for his long-term association with prolific bassist/producer Bill Laswell.
He was born and raised in Senegal. By the age of 14 he was playing professionally in a band that consisted of nine relatives.
Dieng received his first album credit on Brian Eno and Jon Hassell's 1980 Fourth World, Vol. 1: Possible Musics, playing percussion on conga drums and a clay drum called ghatam.[1]
Soon after, he worked with jazz pianist Masabumi Kikuchi on Susto. Dieng also played on Mick Jagger's solo project, She's the Boss. Other noteworthy credits include work with Yoko Ono (singer/composer/artist), Bill Laswell (producer/bassist/guitarist), William S. Burroughs (beatnik author), Haruomi Hosono, Bob Marley (reggae singer), and Ginger Baker (jazz-rock drummer).
In his early years in the U.S., Dieng taught African drumming at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York. He went on to perform with Karl Berger at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. The chatan was introduced by Dieng. It was played on Herbie Hancock's 1984 album Sound-System.