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Musiques Métisses
LE MANDINGUE, EMPIRE DE LA MUSIQUE
From the shores of the Gulf of Guinea to the sands of the Sahara, from the forests of the Atlantic Coast to the dunes of the desert lies the Malinke Empire, founded in the 12th century by Soudiata Keita. It has allowed all the peoples of this immense region —the Bambara, Mandingo, Bozo, Fulani, Songhai, Wolof, Dioula and Dogon— to become united and to forge a unique cultural identity in West Africa.
Often linked to the word of the griots or jalis —the poets, genealogists and holders of the historical and mythical memory— the music resulting from these exchanges and mixings has become richer and more sophisticated with the passing centuries. In Mandingo land, history and music are indissociable. From the founding of the Malinke Empire to the present day, despite the hazards of history (slave trade, civil wars, colonisation etc), oral tradition has perpetuated the gest of the emperors and lords that reigned over Mali, Guinea, Senegambia, and a part of Burkina Faso and Niger up until the 16th century.
Stemming from this fertile breeding ground, music has reinforced the links between these countries' inhabitants and artists and their past, while helping them reach out to the present. No other part of the African Continent has had such a wealth of talent and produced as many artists of international renown. This is also the result of the exchanges they have maintained with the Arab world, Europe and the New World. An identity forged over the centuries and blended with multiple influences has given these music styles a universal character.
The music forms of the Mandingo world are characterised by their incomparable elegance and class. Whether erudite or popular, urban or rural, they have a large range of rich colours in common. The traditional string instruments (kora, ngoni, violin, kamele ngoni), the balafon played by the griots since the 12th century, the percussion (djembe, tama, doundoun, gourds) and the pastoral flutes have naturally blended into modernity. Acoustic guitars appeared as early as the 16th century, brought by Portuguese sailors. The European colonisers then introduced military drums, drum sets, horns, accordions, keyboards and electric instruments. They have also contributed their variety music, which has spread in the Malinke countries thanks to the radio, blending with the local music forms. Thus expanding and opening out while retaining their soul and identity, these have, in turn, been adopted by the outside world —even more so because of the exceptional level of Mandingo musicians. Oral tradition passed on from one generation to the next and daily practice in often acrobatic conditions have given rise to a profusion of top-notch instrumentalists. This is the region of Africa where the best drummers, kora players, balafonists as well as guitarists and bass players are to be found. Yet the favourite instrument remains the voice. Singing, in all fashions, is present throughout the region to accompany celebrations, weddings, sowing and harvesting, and the daily life of both country and city. The time when only griots could sing is long gone. Nowadays, this practice has been democratised and singers, male and female, have become true heroes in the region. It should be said that the beauty of their vocal tone colour, the sumptuous arrangements, the energy and fieriness of the Mandingo artists are much appreciated amongst these people, who are refined and proud of their culture. What is sung is often as important as the music itself.
Singers thus accompany the changes in society. They are the witnesses of their times, and in that they perpetuate the tradition of the griots.
Both innovators and heirs of a great tradition, the artists presented on this collection are the ambassadors of the culture that has stemmed from the Mandingo Empire. All of them have performed at the Musiques Metisses festival. Most of them come from Mali and Guinea.
Ali Farka Touré who, sadly, has recently left us, was a perfect gentleman, a hell of a guitarist and a blues singer as can no longer be found on the banks of the Mississipi. It was in Niafunke, near the Debo Lake in the Songhai country, that he drew his inspiration and forged his inimitable style before performing the world over.
Oumou Sangaré, the diva of Wassoulou, is undoubtedly the most popular singer in Mali. She is also the most exported one. The originality of her compositions, her deep, warm voice, her stage performances and her sincerity have given her a star status that has extended far beyond the African continent.
There is no need to introduce Salif Keita, the greatest Malinke singer. Born into nobility, a descendant of Soudiata Keita, he has shaken up old taboos. He is an accomplished musician open to all possible adventures, and every record he makes has a different colour. He excels in medium tempi and his voice, full of emotion, is one of the most beautiful throughout Africa. Adulated in Mali, he has led a unique, universal career that many rock stars could envy.
Rokia Traore, the young newcomer, is also one of the most talented. Slender and graceful, she is endowed with invincible energy. Her light, crystalline tone colour is totally unlike that of her elder 'sisters', yet it has an uncommon, bewitching power. Pure poetry.
Amadou and Mariam —the famous blind couple from Bamako— deserve their international success and local fame. Between Mandingo blues and sixties' rock 'n' roll, their simple, haunting melodies have toured the world. Guaranteed freshness and spontaneity.
Boubacar Traore the troubadour and folk singer from Kayes (North-West Mali) is also one of the great characters of Mandingo music. Accompanied on acoustic guitar, bare and melancholy, the voice of Kar Kar —as he is known— is at the service of nostalgic songs little known in this region.
Nahawa Doumbia is the other great voice of Wassoulou (the region of Sikasso, at the border of the Ivory Coast), yet more rugged and 'soul'. She draws her inspiration from the sacred repertoire of traditional hunters and she is a true rocker.
Djelimady Tounkara, the band-leader and soloist of the greatest Mandingo rock group, the Super Rail Band, is an exceptional guitarist, an elegant stylist, a matchless improviser and one of the undisputed masters of African guitar.
Ba Cissoko. These young musicians, sons and nephews of the kora master M'Bady Kouyate, represent the new generation that upsets and renovates the tradition. With the energy of youth, uncommon talent and nerve, they have electrified the kora, speeding and exploding the Mandingo groove. Conakry's funky music.
Bembeya Jazz. With its gleaming horns, inspired singers and powerful rhythm section, Bembaya Jazz, the first modern orchestra in Western Africa, is still around and well, led by the awesome guitarist Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabaté. This big band that has had the whole continent dancing has become an institution in Guinean music, and has kept its strike force intact.
Super Rail Band. Created shortly after the Bembeya (in the early 70s), but in Bamako, the Super Rail Band has also remained a formidable swinging and dancing machine. Led by Djelimady Toukara, always imperial and elegant on his guitar, it still enlivens the nights of Bamako. A lesson in youth!
Mory Kanté. The son of a griot, born in Kankan at the heart of the Malinke land, the Guinean Mory Kanté started his career in Bamako, Mali, replacing Salif Keita in the Rail Band. He is a superb singer and talented kora player. His international hit song "Yeke Yeke" has not taken him away from the great Mandingo epic tradition. Furthermore, he knows how to choose the best musicians around him.
Toumani Diabaté. The son of the kora master Sidiki Diabaté, Toumani was the first musician to bring the kora out of its accompanying role and put it to the fore as a solo instrument. A remarkable improviser and an exceptionally gifted instrumentalist, he is always on the look for new musical encounters and adventures. His latest project is the Symmetric Orchestra, which presents a rereading of the great standards of Malinke music, along with his own compositions.
Ballaké Sissoko - Mama Draba. The other great name of kora playing today, Ballaké Sissoko is an immense musician. Discreet and humble, he is a refined melodist and a subtle improviser. Along with young, talented musicians, he accompanies one of the best 'griotes' in Bamako, Mama Draba, who sings here in the purest of tradition.
Habib Koité. Also born into a family of griots, Habib has a modern approach to the music of his elders. He is a songwriter and an excellent guitarist with a modern style. He is very popular amongst Bamako's youth and he has toured the world over with his band, the Bamada.
Sékou Diabaté. Along with Djelimady Tounkara, Sekou is one of the greatest masters of modern Mandingo guitar. Drawing his inspiration from such traditional instruments as the kora and balafon, he has forged an unmistakable style, which has inspired many African guitarists. His acute sense of melody as well as his very elegant touch and phrasing have made him one of the princes of this instrument.
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