Mory Kante, in search of innovation

Mory Kanté, who is in his sixties, has created an album filled with empathy for his fellow-countrywomen in his latest release, La Guinéenne. In 1987, he showcased his ability with Yeke Yeke, the album where he made his indisputable mark on African music. An interview.

Guinean Music

Djeli Moussa Condé, Parisian griot

When the Guinean Djeli Moussa Condé moved to Paris he set up home in Ménilmontant. In the heart of this working-class neighbourhood, the kora player dreamed up a world-style album with the help of percussionist, arranger and producer Vincent Lassalle.

Guinean music

Ba Cissoko

There are times when you need a helping hand to reach a new milestone. To put together his fourth album, Nimissa, Guinean singer and musician Ba Cissoko was assisted by reputed producer Philippe Eidel, who has managed to draw out each song’s potential and assure some ship-shape production.

RFI discoveries award 2011

Sia Tolno’s take on Africa

Sia Tolno and her new album My Life seem to mark the end of the cultural policy for authenticity that Guinea has championed for so long. With a crosscutting style that transcends the Mandinka world and draws from the music of neighbouring Anglophone countries, the recent RFI Découvertes winner cannily crosses multiple borders. She will be playing live at the Alhambra in Paris on 13 October.

Event

Sia Tolno wins the 2011 RFI Discoveries Award

The jury presided by Richard Bona has elected Sia Tolno from Guinea-Conakry as the winner of this year’s RFI Découvertes Award. The artist topped the final selection, ahead of Bongeziwe Mabandla (South Africa) and Metzo Djatah (Senegal). Djatah took the Internet public’s vote, which counted for one voice in the judging. Tune into RFI and RFI Musique over the next few days to hear Sia Tolno’s music.

RFI Discoveries Award 2011

Sia Tolno (Guinea)

Sia Tolno is being predicted to become a great new African voice. There’s no doubt that the young Guinean has great potential

RFI Discoveries Award 2011

Elie Kamano (Guinea)

Elie Kamano, whose real name is Djéliman Kamano, is a star in his homeland, Guinea, where the half-dozen albums he has released have always been well received.

Obituary

Last tribute to Manfila Kanté

A crowd of Guineans came to take part in yesterday’s funeral for the singer and guitarist Manfila Kanté, who died in Paris on 20 July at the age of 65 and was buried in Conakry. A longstanding accomplice of Salif Keita, former band leader of the Ambassadeurs, and a reputed arranger, he took his music beyond the borders of the traditional griot world.

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Independence and music

Guinea and authenticity

Guinea was the first sub-Saharan country in Francophone Africa to celebrate its independence, in 1958. It is also something of a model country in terms of music, thanks to the proactive (but also ideological) cultural policy of its president Sékou Touré. The political climate favoured the creation of a number of high-quality government-sponsored bands, such as Bembeya Jazz, whose reputations have crossed borders and transcended their era.