Bembeya Jazz
THE BEST OF THE GOLDEN ERA OF AFRICAN MUSIC
In the mid-'60s, Bembeya Jazz, (which takes its name from the river that runs through their remote hometown of Beyla) was certified as a national band by Guinea's first president Sekou Toure. The band moved to the capital, Conakry, where they performed as many as six nights each week and felt pressure to develop the hottest spine-tingling sounds. From this era emerged their signature four-guitar section, the introduction of Hawaiian slide guitar, and stunning stage performances.
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le Bembeya Jazz en 1979
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Bembeya's creative director Aboubacar Demba Camara was killed in a tragic car crash in 1973. The band was eventually able to re-group. But the '80s saw a significant economic decline in Guinea and most of the band members had to look outside of the Guinean music scene for their primary livelihood.
The band's latest fierce line-up includes four members that hail from the group's formative years, decades ago. Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabate has not let up with his fiery guitar embellishments and entertaining stage antics. The dulcet, high tenor voice of Salifou Kaba joins Dory Clement on tenor sax, Mohamed Kaba on trumpet, and Conde Mory Mangala on drums; all veterans of the dozen-member outfit.
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