Africa Soli - Salia (1992, CD)

Searching info about Les Amazones found a small advert for their 1986.March concert in Amsterdam, as their support act was listed Africa Soli. That reminded me that I have some music from them. In the mid 1990's I got a K7 copy from their 1992 album Salia, a local CD release in Holland. They were a group of Guinean musicians living (in exile) in The Netherlands. I really liked (and still like) their music which has it's roots in the Ballets des Africaines (de Guinee). Later in the early 2000s I came across a CD titled 'Voices of Africa 3', whick looked like some fake African compilation, but when inspecting it closely it appeared to be an international rerelease of the Africa Soli album, by some sort of cheap record company. The packaging is some "kitch" African pictures thrown together, without having any relation to Guinee, except the continent itself, I mean rhinoceros in Guinee, give me a break!! But the music is great, and that's the main thing which counts here!!
About the group Africa Soli I could not find any further info, so direct to the music.

original 1992 CD cover

Listen to: Africa Soli - Bawama (1992 live)


AFRICA SOLI 1992 - Salia

1.Salia (5:40) / 2.Bandafeleko (4:56) / 3.Concert de Percussion (4:05) / 4.Lalaba (5:59) / 5.Diya (5:16) / 6.Balaphone du Griot (3:43) / 7.Youwale (4:56) / 8.Sougue (6:02) / 9.Sofa (7:18) / 10.Feraba (6:03)

Musicians:
Arafan Touré - djembe solo, shekere, background vocals
Momo Toure - doundoum, bote, background vocals
Kaloga Traore - djembe, background vocals
Soriba Kouyate - balaphone, background vocals
Dameyetiti Camara - lead vocals, background vocals
Kadiatou Sylla - background vocals

About Arafan Toure (Africa Soli's main musician)

sources: djembefola.com - arafantoure.org
Arafan Toure was born in Conakry in 1937. He grew up playing rhythms on tin cans and wooden boxes on the streets. After achool he listened to the adults playing, this is how Arafan learned the music of Guinea and of neighbour countries. The director of the popular performing group "Djole Club" saw Arafan play and recruited him as soloist. Arafan was 20 years old at the time and toured with them to the Ivory Coast. It was during this time that he played two djembes simultaneously for the first time and became famous for being the first person to do it.
Arafan's father was opposed to Arafan's dedicating his life to music and got him a job as a mechanic. While Arafan was repairing a car, a delegation from the Ministry of Culture summoned him to join Les Ballets Africains!

picture from 1962 program

Arafan was the youngest player in the group, but created lots of new rhythms for the ballet and toured with them for 26 years until 1985 (here the German 1962-63 tour program). His role with the ballet included soloist, composer, arranger, recruiter and trainer of new musicians. Arafan played djembe, dununba, siko, calabash and krin. his constant flow of new compositions earned him the nickname, "Docteur de Rhythme".
In 1985 Arafan joined the groups Fatala (discovered by Peter Gabriel) and "Africa Soli". In 1986 he moved permanently to the Netherlands and did performances all over West-Europe. Furthermore gave he lessons and workshops to percussion students in the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Ireland. 
Arafan died unexpectedly in 2003 in Arnhem, The Netherlands. At his funeral in Guinea on 2003 June 06 at the Cemetery Cameroun in Conakry, his body was carried by ex-members of Les Ballets Africains and Ballet Djoliba.

2003.Aug.29 the Dutch radio 'Concertzender' made a special In Memoriam program for Arafan (info) and repeated a 2000 concert from his band (info).
2008.Nov.15 the same station broadcasted a 'Mariama Special - Arafan Touré' (info here - info), to which you can still listen here - concertzender.nl/player.
This seems to be a repeat of the 2003 In Memoriam, but that's not mentioned.
Playlist: Fatala 1988 - Sohko / Arafan 2001 live - Double Djembe / Fatala 1989 - Yoky (from Passion Sources) / Arafan Group 1997 live - Bawama / Africa Soli 1992 live - Bawama / Fatala 1988 - Timini and Maane / Africa Soli 1992 - Sofa / Arafan Djembe Lessons / Arafan Group 2000 live - Salia

Discography of Arafan Toure

1988: Fatala - Fatala (LP, Womad Records) at rhythmconnection
1989: tracknr.11.Fatala - Yoky (on 'VA-Passion Sources')
1992: Africa Soli - Salia (CD, the Netherlands, Sango Music)
          reissued titled 'Voices of Africa 3 - Africa Soli - Guinea' (1998, CD)
          and as 'Africa Soli - Greetings from Guinea' (1998, CD)
1998: tracknr.10.Arafan Toure Ensemble - Bawama ('VA-de ConcertZender LIVE')
2000: Arafan & Group - Concert Melkweg (2CD) info arafantoure.org
2003: e_Mixation (trib.mini-CD, last recs of Arafan) info arafantoure.org

Enjoy the Music! Always EAT

RAW!!!!

Amazones de Guinee - au Coeur de Paris (K7)

update 2016.Mar.31: biography and added sleeve notes

The unclear "Paradiso" catchings are finished (thought I had one more, from a Senegalese artist, but can't find it anywhere), so let's continue now with a K7, the famous "Les Amazones de Guinee" recorded live at a show in Paris. Bought this one in 1993/94 in Guinee, after I heard them on the Super Selection K7 posted earlier. Still really really love this one and as written before the introduction gives me GOOSEBUMPS everytime. Not so much of how and what the announcer (anybody knows who?) is saying, but mostly the exited ROARs by the audience, and then the first notes from SAMBA!!!!! Absolutely Brilliant!! Manguetique!!

Also still treasure the sight of my daughters, at kindergarten / early primary school age, dancing through the house when I played this K7. Unfortunately now that they're some 10 years older, they consider this music "not hip" for their taste, so mostly ask me to turn down the volume. Hopefully when they've 'really grown up', they'll be able to appreciate this wonderful music again, we'll have to wait and see.

Short biography of 'Les Amazones de Guinee'

main infos used: justinmorel - radioafrica - musiques-afrique
The band started in 1961, after Guinee became an independent country, playing only acoustic string instruments and percussion as 'l'Orchestre Féminin de la Gendarmerie de Guinée'. In 1965 they started using electric guitars, wind instruments and drumkit and renamed themselves to 'Les Amazones de Guinee'. As an all-women band, with all members recruited from the Guinean "Gendarmerie", i.e.Police Force, they were the symbol of the emancipation of Guinean women. Les Amazones performed in various African countries and represented Guinea at various occasions throughout the 1960s and 1970s, their highest achievement being their participation at the FESTAC festival in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977 (recording see under / Ebony Magazine about Festac '77).
In 1979 they performed at the art festival 'Horizonte '79' in Berlin, together with their fellow Guinean orchestra Sily National (see short flash at ca.2:10 in this video, any body has more??).

In 1983, they travelled to Paris for the 1983.Apr.06 concert, which was recorded and released as their first album (of which this K7 is a pirate? copy). One month later they also performed at a festival in Angouleme.
In 1986 they went on a tour through Europe, see review in Sounds, of which also recordings have been made in the Netherlands (beeldengeluid: id-4072484 and id-4072504 - anybody has this??) and in 1993 they performed at the famous Sfinks Festival in Belgium.
After that not much was heard from Les Amazones, untill in 2006 they recorded their second album (guineeconakry.info), which in 2008 was released on CD as 'Wamato' by Stern's.
In time some members left the band, as they didn't want to be a part of the Guinean police, and started solo careers, like for example  Sona Diabate, M'Mah Sylla and Sayon Bamba. But with new recrutes 'Les Amazones' kept performing here and there, mostly in Guinee, and are still going as strong as they can be.

Listen to the Introduction and Samba


Les AMAZONES de GUINEE - Au cœur de Paris - 1983.Avr.06 (K7, #371)

a0.Introduction / a1.Samba / a2.Tayesala / a3.Sougouroun Baya / (a4.Samba = same as a1) //
b1.Salimou / b2.P.D.G. / b3.I Tele Ke / b4.Sona

Some parts of LP sleeve notes (corrected google translation):

original written in French by Justin Morel Jr. - justinmorel/syliphon
This disc restores the amazonic feeling experienced by the Parisian spectators on 1983 April 06 at the ‘Théâtre de la Mutualité’, in the very heart of Paris.
An outstanding disc offered to us by the new Guinean record company "Enimas", at the tip of the revival of Guinean music, with the kind participation by the branches of Bolibana in Paris. Twenty-two years later (1961-83). It really is as if everything is starting now.
a1.Samba (5:36)
The colourful and burlesque life of a man who does not know what he wants and where he goes. Solid arrangements by the "Amazones" with tenor sax bursts propelled by the vibrating music. Superb singing by Sonia Diabate.
a2.Tayesala (6:00)
"Let’s extinguish the flames! / That lights the fire of love / That scorch false desires / and satisfies lovers hearts."
Salématou Diallo clads with calm and charm the frantic chords on her bass guitar.
a3.Soungouroun Baya (6:15)
"In your youth, my sister / Avoid bad moods / Just listen to your heart / Only see your happiness / About you, they will say a thousand things / If you rely on the truth / Your life will always be rosy.''
Mah Sylla engages with "lost heart" in solo vocals. Admirable flexibility! From guitars to contagious joy!
b1.Salimou (6:33)
The true story of an alcoholic who sang in his delusions: "When I take my bottle! / I have really nothing like it''!
The "Amazones" resume the melody, change the lyrics and go to war against drugs and alcohol. Lyrics: "Whoever chooses alcohol / undertakes on a crazy road."
Mah Sylla, the new singer of the "Amazones", plays with her impressive voice.
b2.P.D.G. (3:56)
Dedicates the knowledge of the liberating party of Guinea, the P.D.G., which teaches: "The first for women is their work."
The queen of the "Amazones" Nyépou Habas is dazzling on solo guitar.
b3.I Ke Tele: (5:46)
The man who wants to make history, the song tells us, must mark his time. Mark his time in a positive way, this is the pledge of eternity. Zenab Bah, very lyrical tenor-saxophone.
b4.Sona (5:27)
When the love of a woman leads a man to death. Balake, the innocent fiancé of Sona, is accused of murder by a "gambler" blinded by his libido and who, to enjoy impunity of the maiden, leads her favourite to death. But death can not kill true love.
Sentimental Nyépou Habas on solo guitar - Kanko Camara sings with all her heart.

Discography of Les Amazones de Guinee

1983: Au cœur de Paris - 6 avril 1983 (LP, Syliphone #SLP.76)
           reissued in 1991 on CD with additional tracks by M’Mah Sylla from SLP.78
2008: Wamato (CD, Stern's #STCD1106)

Several recordings in the Syliphone RTG archive:
rec.1963.Nov.08: 11 tracks, starting with 02.Yatty (3:42)
rec.1964.Nov.07: untitled track (3:22)
rec.1968.Mar.12: 12 tracks, starting with 01.Bandankoro (3:11)
rec.1970.Jul.30: 13 tracks, starting with 01.Sona (6:21)
rec.1970.Jul.30: Shake Shake (4:36)
rec.1973.Dec.13: 4 untitled tracks, starting with this one (5:55)
rec.1977.Jan.23 at Festac '77, Lagos: performance (28:57)

Enjoy the music!! And while listening, EAT THEM RAW!!

PS: if somebody has recordings and/or footage of the 1979/83/86 tours, I'm very curious to hear and/or watch some........

Mahmoud Ahmed - 2005.07.02 Music Meeting

Let's continue with clarified (in.beeldengeluid.nl) unclear "Radio Nederland - Bureau Afrique" catchings, we'll go to the east side of the African continent with Mahmoud Ahmed, who with a guest appearance by Minyeshu perfomed 2005.Jul.02 at (again) the Music Meeting in Nijmegen.

21st Music Meeting 2005.Jul.1-2-3 in Park Brakkenstein, Nijmegen

The most adventurous music festival ever!
Music Meeting, the annual music festival that will take you on a tour around the world. This 21st edition no doubt will be a very special one. This year everyone can enter the festival site without buying en entrance ticket. Enjoy delicious food, a great variaty of drinks and fantastic free concerts. You can also pay a visit to the festivalmarket or to the 7th Mini Meeting with a special programme for the kids. Just for the concerts on the main stage and saturday's party night Club ¡mm...! you will need a ticket.
Saturday Jul.02 - Muts - 22:45 - Mahmoud Ahmed with Minyeshu (Ethiopia)

About Mahmoud Ahmed with guest appearance Minyeshu:
from musicmeeting.nl with google translation:

Despite his age (65 years!), the wonderful, incomparable voice of Mahmoud Ahmed has lost none of its power. On the contrary, it seems like he knows how to put more and more depth in his husky, earthy tones. The captivating stage presence of the Ethiopian and his beautiful songs, mostly deep melancholy, are sometimes unexpectedly funky, still speak directly to the heart, whether you understand the language in which he sings now or not.
During his performance at Music Meeting Mahmoud Ahmed will bring several songs together with Minyeshu and two members of her band Chewata. Young Ethiopian singer Minyeshu, living now in the Netherlands for several years, made ​​a big impression with her European debut CD 'Meba' from 2002. She alternates beautifully produced traditional and popular songs from Ethiopia with her own compositions. With sensitive ballads Mahmoud Ahmed and Minyeshu will carry us to dreamy depths, with their exciting shock shoulder dance they'll bring the audience and each other to new heights.
In 1986 was in fact the first popular Ethiopian music Europe released. In that year appeared on the Belgian label Crammed Discs recordings by Mahmoud Ahmed from the seventies. Out of Ethiopia, the land from which around that time almost exclusively were reports of war and famine heard, particularly since the death of Emperor Haile Selassie (1975), appeared suddenly the most exciting music from around the globe. This cult album, titled Ere Mela Mela, was the catalyst for a real boom of Ethiopian pop music. The French label Buda Musique under the enthusiastic leadership of music collector Francis Falceto specializes in 'Ethiopian groove of bygone decades. Under the name Ethiopiques have been released about twenty compilation CDs full with fierce dance music, 'knoeperharde' wind-orchestras and trance-inducing vocals.
Musicians:
Mahmoud Ahmed - vocals / Grum Mezmur - guitar / Dagmawi Ali - bass / Eyassou Nega - drums / Gultu Tefera - keyboards / Aklilou Wolde-Yohannes - tenor saxophone / Yared Tefera - tenor saxophone / Minyeshu - vocals / Biniam Kindya Berha - krar / Tesfaye Wolde-Yohannes Haile - dance

A comprehensive and informative article about Mahmoud Ahmed at AFROPOP.

Review ENJOY THE LIMIT IN MUSIC MEETING
2005.Jul.04, OOR, by Pieter Franssen.
On the last day of the second MUSIC MEETING new-style the atmosphere, weather and music were optimal. Such a pleasant atmosphere the organizers probably had in mind, when they last year radically changed their familiar locations and dates. The limitless choice of music in the 'Mutstent' and on the 'Haaipodium' is free to hear anyway, but to see the grin of the still brilliant Ethiopian soul singer MAHMOUD AHMED and his band in classic soul line-up with three saxophones groove, has to be paid for. The voice of the former hotel entertainer still wins in depth and melancholy, but in addition to his regular band, he also gives the spirited Ethiopian singer Minyeshu and three members of Chewata an opportunity, which they use abundantly. The extremely agile dancer Tesfaye excites everyone with his rousing shock shoulder dance and Mahmoud sings his famous Era Mela Mela with a penetrating eloquence as never before.

Listen to the first track:


AHMED MAHMOUD 2005.07.02 Music Meeting Nijmegen

Setlist (found different spellings, so if available Ethiopiques series spelling is used)
1.Atawurulegn Léla / 2.Endénèsh Bèlugen* / 3.Wey Fikir* / 4.Bèlomi Bènna / 5.Lebèsh Kabashen* / 6.Nèy Dènun Tesèsh [feat.Minyeshu] // 8.Erè Mèla Mèla / 9.Lishayer Woy Derra*# / 10.Ashkaru*
notes: *not on Ethiopiques / #original issue unknown

Discography (main source funkfidelity.de):
1972-74: various singles (7", Philips #PH7) reissued on 'Ethiopiques-26'
1973: Almaz Men Eda New (LP, Amha #AELP.80) reissued on 'Ethiopiques-6'
1974: varous singles (7", Amha #AE) reissued on 'Ethiopiques-19'
1974: various singles (7", Mahmoud Ahmed #MA) not reissued
1975: Mahmoud Ahmed (LP, Amha #AELP.100) reissued on 'Ethiopiques-19'
1975: various singles (7", Kaifa #KF) reissued on 'Ethiopiques-7'
1975: Ere Mela Mela (LP, Kaifa #LPKF.20) reissued on 'Ethiopiques-7'
1978: Jeguol Naw Betwa (LP) 2 tracks reissued on 'Ethiopiques-7'
1981: The Best of Walias (LP, US recording) 2 tracks with Mahmoud
1986: Indenesh Beluline (K7)
1989: Titesh (K7)
1992: Mahmoud Ahmed Live in Addis Ababa (K7, AM Shop) at likembe
1997: Live In Paris (CD, Long Distance #3060502)
1997: Soul of Addis (CD, Earthworks #STEW.35.CD)
1998: Slow Collections (CD, Sounds Of Abyssinia ‎#SAC.022)
2003: Yitbarek (CD, Yene Production ‎#77414-2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ETHIOPIQUES SERIES (all CDs)
1997: Vol.1 - Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music (3 tracks by M.Ahmed)
1998: Vol.3 - Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music (3 tracks by M.Ahmed)
1999: Vol.6 - Almaz (reissue of 1973 LP, incl.add.tracks)
1999: Vol.7 - Ere Mela Mela (reissue of 1975 LP, incl.add.tracks)
1999: Vol.8 - Swinging Addis  (incl.1 track by M.Ahmed)
2002: Vol.10 - Tezeta - Ethiopian Blues & Ballads (incl.1 track by M.Ahmed)
2005: Vol.19 - Altemeye (reissue of 1975 LP, incl.add.tracks)
2010: Vol.26 - Mahmoud Ahmed & Imperial Bodyguard Band (1972-74 singles)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy EATING those RAW!

Kasse Mady Diabaté - 2001.Nov.03 Music Meeting

Now that I found a way (beeld en geluid) to clarify unclear "Radio Nederland -
Bureau Afrique" catchings, I can present you some more, but be aware it's only some tracks of the concert and between songs with talk by a French-Dutch guy.
Let's stay in Mali with Kasse Mady Diabate, who is no family of Abdoulaye at all and born in Kéla, the capital of the griots more than 300km from Segou upstream the Niger river. In 2001 he performed twice at the "Music Meeting" festival, and lucky for us, both were recorded by Dutch radio.

About Kasse Mady Diabaté

(from an old Music Meeting page, using google translation):
Kassé Mady Diabaté is known for his deep knowledge of the oral musictradition of Mali and his ability to translate this into a modern context. But above all he has one of the most beautiful voices of West-Africa. Kassé is named after his grandfather, who with his heavenly voice people literally brought to tears ('kassé'). He has been a member of the group Super Mande, with which he won the bi-anual festival in 1973 won and the Latin-American flavoured Las Maravillas de Mali. In the eighties the music scene in Mali came to a dead end. Like many Africans Mady went into exile in Paris, that had become the new center of worldmusic. There he released two solo-albums, of which the swinging Fode the answer was to Salif Keita's praised Soro. Because of his peace-ful nature, he was not able to make a living in the hard musicworld of contracts, copyrights and a lot of shouting. In 1998 he returned to Mali, where he discovered that the young generation had become interested again in Malian music. After Songhai Toumani Diabaté asked him again for a co-orperation, this time together with Taj Mahal. The American blues-guitar player was so impressed by Mady's voice that he gave him a beautiful guitar.

His performances at the Music Meeting 2001.Nov.03:

both as "Kassé Mady (Mali) meets Baba Sissoko (Mali)"

• churchconcerts in "Antonius van Paduakerk" (afternoon)
• concertgebouw "De Vereeniging" (evening)

About his companion Baba Sissoko (Mali/Italy)
When Baba Sissoko was baptised (in 1963), not the usual white ram was offered, but a white ox. Furthermore the vistors of the ceremony received three-times more than normal cola-nuts and dates as presents. Sissoko was recognised already at birth as special child, somebody who was predestined to become a griot. Sissoko also disseminates stories and legends, teaches children and placates evil spirits. Important with all of that is for him his tama, a sort of talking drum, which Baba carries everywhere with him. Sissoko introduced the tama in the modern music of Mali. But with the same ease he plays the Malian lute, n'goni. He accompanied Ami Koita, Toumani Diabate and especially Habib Koite, he was a member of his ensemble Bamada. More recent he played with te Cuban bass player Cachaíto and toured with The Art Ensemble of Chicago. The now in Italy living musician plays at the Music Meeting the role of multi-deployable festival-joker. He gives a workshop at the music academy, participates in a percussion project, plays together with Kasse Mady, plays his role in the 3rd Mini Meeting and will for sure bring more surprises!!

Listen to the first track:


DIABATE KASSE MADY 2001.11.03 - Music Meeting Nijmegen

Setlist: 1.Fode / 2.Mamadi Boutiki / 3.Kaira // 4.Koulandjan / 5.Baba Sissoko - Ebi (faded out)
(corrected tracknr.1-2 acc.NGONI's comments)
my assupmtions (based on the beeldengeluid infos):
-tracknr.1-3 are from the afternoon in St.Antonius van Paduakerk
-tracknr.4-5 are from the evening in De Vereeniging

Review from the concerts (2001.Nov.06, volkskrant, from corrected "triple Dutch" google):
"That surprises not always need to be new proved Kasse Mady Diabaté, the "sleeper" among the great Malian voices, from who for many years was heard virtually nothing as solo performer. Saturday afternoon he couldn't get the acoustics of 'Anthony of Padua Church' under control. But in the evening at 'De Vereeniging', his 'melodious waterfall' voice along with the gurgling soli by Adama Diarra (on balafon) and Baba Sissoko (on three-stringed n'goni) sounded ideal. It was a casual but compelling happening, the party was even joined by Sekou Bembeya Diabaté, the man who plays his electric guitar with 'diamonds fingers'. Mady and his companions remained close to the West African tradition, Sekou with his on African harp strumming based guitar motives and Kasse Mady with his pure on melody based arrangements. With such an act, the Music Meeting proves to be not just another ordinary world music festival."

Discography (main sources mali-music.com, musiques-afrique, infos NGONI)
1989: Fodé (CD, Syllart-Mélodie/Stern's)
1990: Koulandjan Kéla (CD, Syllart-Mélodie) and as "Kela Tradition" (CD, Stern's)
2003: Kassi Kassé (CD, Corason/EMI Hemisphere/Narada)
2008: Manden Djeli Kan (CD, Universal)
2009: Kela (CD, Syllart) comp.of 1989/90 albums
2014: Kirike (CD,  Six Degrees Records)
with National Badema:
1977: L'Orchestre Le National Badéma (LP, Mali Kunkan) available 1981 reissue
1983: National Badema du Mali - Nama (LP, Mali Kunkan) available:
           Mali Kunkan LP / Syllart LP / pirate? K7 (LPs with good sleeve notes!)
1986: National Badema du Mali - Vol.2 (unreleased) available K7 copy
2000: National Badema - Original Kasse Mady (CD, Sono Africa) comp.of 1977/83
2001: Badema National du Mali - CAN 2002 - Mali 2002 (K7, local release)
release for Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (CAN) footbal championship held 2002 in Mali (note: more artists released CAN 2002, i.e.Oumou Sangare)
with other groups
1999: Taj Mahal & Toumani Diabate - Kulanjan (CD, Hannibal Records)
2004: Mandekalou - The Art And Soul Of The Mande Griots (CD, Syllart)
2006: Mandekalou - The Art And Soul Of The Mande Griots II (CD, Discograph)
2009: Mandekalou performance (rec.2009.Feb.14) watch at philharmoniedeparis
2010: AfroCubism - AfroCubism (CD, World Circuit #WCD.085)
2012: Mandekalou live 2011 (2xDVD) see vol.1 and vol.2
some vocals on:
Under African Skies* (1989) / Hank Jones meets Cheick-Tidiane Seck and The Mandinkas - Sarala (1995) / Djanka Diabate - Sabou Sabou (1997) / Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba - Segu Blue (2007) / Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba - I Speak Fula (2009) / Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba - Jama Ko (2013)

*(upd.Mar.28): The whole documentary Under African Skies - Mali (incl.performances by Kasse Mady) has recently been posted by Graeme Counsel on his Radio Africa YT channel.

Enjoy EATING those RAW!

More from the Segou area....

Searching more info about Abdoulaye Diabate landed on the Festival Segou site, surfing around discovered some new artists from the Segou area. So in case,like me, you haven't met any of these before check them!!!
....... and at the end a new one from a legendary group........

Mariam Kone

"A blend of Mandingo, Fulani and Soninko rhythms"




More about and from Mariam Kone:

• biography at koresegou.com/mariam-kone/ (or in french)
• listen more tracks at soundcloud
• video at Festival Segou 2014
• video at Afrikafestival Hertme 2015 (as part of Malikanw - Caravane Culturelle de la Paix, Mali)

Orchestre Kôrè

The KORE orchestra is a new musical formation created in Segou in 2011 April by the merger of several young talents (musicians) with the support of KORE Cultural Center. The group consists of six musicians and organizes parties and celebrations. Orchestre KORE plays a mixture of traditional and modern rhythms through a Malian repertoire where the sounds of kamalen ngoni, kora, guitar, balafon, the djembe and Guita (calabash) unite to give surprising sounds. (bio - using google translation)



More about and from Orchestre Kore:

• biography at www.koresegou.com/orchestre-kore/ (only in french)
• listen more tracks at soundcloud

Sahel Blues

Three virtuosos, Mama Sissoko (Guitar), Assaba Drame (ngoni) and Broda Diabate (kora), are in the process of reviving the sounds and discover the musical diversity of an entire people. Various rhythms combine to give a unique sound that makes traveling in the Sahel musical poetry... in time and space! This mix of traditional and modern musical rhythms gives birth to the "Sahel Blues." This project is an initiative of Kore Cultural Center, in its mission of development of art in the city.



More about and from Sahel Blues:

• biography at koresegou.com/sahel-blues/ (only in french)
• listen more tracks at soundcloud

Super Biton de Segou - NEW MUSIC!! (OK from 2013.Dec)

The legendary Super Biton de Segou, back on the international stage with this clip of the lead track CHE. Enjoy it ...



Wonderful to seeing them still going strong, wondering if they'll ever go on an international tour again......

For whoever is not familiar with them check here:

• biography at musiques-afrique.com (incl.discography!)
• all "Super Biton" posts at the supermanguetic blog WRLDSRV, THE place outside of Segou for all things SuperBE Biton!!

Abdoulaye Diabaté - 1999.Nov.05 Music Meeting Nijmegen

Years ago I catched from "Radio Nederland - Bureau Afrique" a concert recording in a program called "Paradiso". It was never clear where or when this was recorded, until recently I found info about a recording on beeldengeluid.nl, which matched the songs on the unknown live recording I had. So now I can present to you: Abdoulaye Diabate live recorded in 1999 at a festival called "Music Meeting", held every year in Nijmegen, Nederland.

About Abdoulaye Diabate (from the old Music Meeting site, using google translation):
In a society without radio, television and telephone, the griot occupies an important place. He is a messenger of good and bad news. Birth, marriage, meeting, death, war, in the Malian savannahs the griot shares it all orally. The only tool he has is a drum, kora, n'goni or flute. The griot is a symbol of the tradition of the spoken word, of which nothing is recorded on paper, and serves as repository for the collective memory and tradition. He wears the culture, the customs, the history of the country with it in countless songs and stories. He is therefore called the djeli (the blood) of Malian society. You can recognize a djeli by his surname, like Kouyate or Diabate.
Abdoulaye Diabaté (1952) is a descendant of an old and famous djeli family in the Segou region. Father Baba Diabaté was the leader of the griots-Diabaté in Segou. Abdoulaye started singing at the age of eight years, when he went with his mother Assitan Dembelé, one of the best Bambara-singers, along the villages. In 1975 he replaced the singer of Koule Star, then started his professional music career. A year later he joined the Orchestre Régionale de Segou. He founded his own band Kene Star and released over the years, alone or with Kene Star, four albums. Five years ago (ca.1994) Diabaté was named best Malian artist, no small feat in a country where the competition with people like Ali Farka Toure, Habib Koité, Salif Keita and Oumou Sangare is huge. Last year he released his latest CD Bende. On it the singer and percussionist is accompanied by traditional instruments like balafon, flute, n'goni and djembe drums and guitars. Abdoulaye combines the ancient griot function with that of contemporary songwriter. He sings an ode to the leader Adama Diarra or a harvest song, but he calls his compatriots also to understand each other and to love one another. "Understanding leads to joy" is the message of the title track Bende.
Abdoulaye Diabaté [vocals] - Modibo Diabaté  balafon, vocals] - Francois Dembele [djembe] - Issa Samake [guitar] - Safré Coulibaly [guitar] - Yacouba Ballo [guitar] - Zakaryaou Dembele [drums]

Listen to the first track:


DIABATE ABDOULAYE 1999.11.05 - Music Meeting Nijmegen

Setlist: 1.Sissi Koulou / 2.Ngnoko / 3.Seine / 4.Tindro / 5.Beundre / 6.Balani
Corrected setlist (following NGONI's comments - please correct after download!):
1.Sissi Kouloun / 2.Massadjourou / 3.Tendoro song* / 4.Karamokole (Donso-foli rhythm) / 5.Monzon / 6.Tendoro song* (another one) / 7.Balani (faded out)
note: * Tendoro is a rhythm of the Bwa ethnic group, Abdoulaye Diabate orchestra is a specialist in this dance of the Bobo farmers

Discography (main source mali-music.com, incl.updates DOUBLE thanks to NGONI):
198?: Koule Star et Abdoulaye Diabate - Mamou Diallo (K7,#S-017) at wrldsrv
198?: Abdoulaye Diabate et Koule Star - Bobereni (K7, Syllart #8343) at wrldsrv
1988: Abdoulaye Diabate et Koule Star - Massadjourou (K7, Syllart)
1989: Kene Star & A.Diabate - Kassikoun (K7/LP, Syllart) at wrldsrv
1992: Abdoulaye Diabate - Namawou (K7, Syllart #SYL.83135)
1993: Abdoulaye Diabate - Tabalé (K7, Syllart #SYL.83178)
1995: Abdoulaye Diabate - Djiriyo (CD, Syllart-Stern's #STCD.1066) comp.of K7s
1998: Abdoulaye Diabate - Bendé (K7/CD, MALI K7 / Cobalt)
1999: Abdoulaye Diabate - Best Of (K7, MALI K7)
2000: Abdoulaye Diabate - Makan (K7/CD, Syllart)
2002: Abdoulaye Diabate - Samory (CD, Cobalt #09354-2)
2010: Abdoulaye Diabaté & Koutiala - ORTM (CD, Mali K7, live rec.) add.info
2014: Abdoulaye Diabate - Diobaly (interview about album)
note: no known releases between 2002 and 2010

PS: searching for more be aware that there are at least 3 Malian musicians with the name Abdoulaye Diabate!!

Enjoy EATING those RAW!

Kade Diawara - Djinan Mouso (2003?, K7, #DDU.001)

Recently discovered the Syliphone RTG archive, with an enourmous wealth of Guinean radio recordings (dating mid.60s till mid.80s). Well got a little lost in it, so that's why there was a little bit of silence here.

Kade Diawara - Djinan Mousso (K7)

As a sort of tribute to the archive now another K7 of Kade Diawara, 'the Archangel of Manding', bought this one together with Mama Diabate's K7 in the early 2000s in a 2nd hand shop here in the neighbourhood. According to some infos on the web it should be from ca.2003, and the musical arrangements are done here by Kerfalla Kante aka 'the bird of Sankara'. I rate the music a little under Kade's other K7, but the singing is enormous, Kade's voice is so powerful, she can lift up the whole Fouta Djallon a few meters!!

Listen to: A1 - Djinan Mousso (2003?, K7)


DIAWARA-KADE-2003-K7_Djinan Mousso (DDU001)

tracklist: a1.Djinan Mousso / a2.Assetou Bella / a3.Farakoudou / a4.Gnaman Kante // b1.Lamban / b2.Mone Magni / b3.Mousso Bombe

add.info (from natari): Kade, who is known as 'L'archange du Mandingue' is endowed with a tremendously rich and powerful voice which she uses with devastating effect. Recorded in the Ivory Coast at Studio JBZ by Pamphile de Souza the album explodes from the speakers with music in all directions. No matter if you're trying to listen to the lovely sounds of Adama Conde's balafon, Garba Tounkara's n'goni or Amara Kante's cora they are all firmly put in place by the wonderful singing of Kade and chorus girls, Kouta Camara and Maimouna Barry.
(note: don't where he's got this info from, sleeve of my K7 only listed the titles, so may be there are other sleeves with additional infos about recording and musicians)

To get back to the RTG Syliphone archive, you can listen there to the whole "L’Archange du Manding" (1976, LP)", link opens the page of the first track (Bele Bele) and if you click "more" at the related items you'll see and can play all other tracks from the album.
If you're interested searching in the RTG Syliphone Archive using this spreadsheet by Graeme Counsel is very helpful, especially in avoiding to get lost (as I did first time just jumping into it).

Enjoy KADE and the RTG archive EATING them RAW!!!!