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.

Malian music

Amadou & Mariam

The Malian twosome Amadou & Mariam are back with a new album, Folila. With its roots firmly planted in Mali, the collection takes added inspiration from some of the couple’s international alliances, and in particular Français Bertrand Cantat.

Music from Chad

Mounira Mitchala, Voice of the Sahel

One of the few Chadian artists to be making a name for herself on the international scene, singer Mounira Mitchala has paved the way for the next step with Chili Houritki, five years after winning the RFI Découvertes music award.

Malian music

Khaira Arby, Timbuktu diva

The singer from northern Mali, Khaira Arby, has a status on a level with Oumou Sangaré in her homeland. Despite a keen following in the United States, in France she remains largely unknown. Not for long though, since she is scheduled to perform at the Babel Med Festival in Marseille at the end of March.

Malian music

Super Biton de Ségou, an everlasting legend

More than twenty years after Mali’s artistic and cultural biennales hit the dust, we salute one of their most brilliant offspring: Super Biton de Ségou, decreed best band from 1970 to 1976. Still active, Super Biton continues to be the pride and joy of its hometown. RFI Musique met up with bandleader and eminent guitarist, Mama Cissoko.

Report

Festival sur le Niger in Ségou

Gathering 30,000 festival-goers over five days, the Festival sur le Niger, which has just run from 14 to 19 February, is a popular Malian event that places the town of Ségou on the country’s cultural map and puts the focus on local music.

Heritage

Opika Pende, African treasures

Jonathan Ward is not your regular vinyl record collector. During the day he works as an archivist, but his real passion is collecting 78s of African traditional and folk music recorded in the first half of the 20th century. The four-CD compilation he’s just released, entitled Opika Pende, or “be strong” in Lingala, brings some incredible artists and fascinating musical forms back to life.

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.

Congolese music

Jupiter, the Kinshasa sound

Thirty years of hassle have done nothing to wear down the convictions of Congolese musician Jupiter as he prepares to bring out Hotel Univers – an album that rings like a coming of age. Portrait of an artist.