Without further annotations, but referring to international review and critics, we allow us here to include the truely enlightening documentary films by M. Laurent Chevalier »Djembefola« (1991) and »Mögöbalu« (1998) on the Guinean Master Drummer legend Mister Mamady Keïta (August 1950 – June 21st, 2021) — May he rest in Peace! In fact Alpha Oulare used to be student of Mamady Keita in his youth. We hope to be able by this reference to provoke deeper interest and understanding of these West-African Musical Arts and Culture as well as thanking Alpha Oulare’s former teacher Mister Mamady Keïta (The King).

»I left my village Balandugu when I was 12 years old and returned after 26 years. This documentary was filmed when I make the trip back to Balandugu. I am sharinging it now with the world in hope that this inspires you and gives you the strength you need to continue your passion in this life.« (From the official Google Inc. YouTube channel° of Mamady Keïta and heirs — might he be remembered for long times…)

(° Postscriptum 19.10.2024: Google Inc. YouTube video references updated; now from two different sources, as the original Youtube film had disappeared / been removed(?). Please let us know future changes in this!)

MUSIC ALBUM: One by him is Mamady Keïta & Sewa Kan: Hakili (2011, BandCamp-distributed):

»To celebrate 50 years of his musical year, master percussionist Mamady Keïta embarked on a European tour with an expanded line-up his group Sewa Kan, adding balafon, kora and saxophone to the percussive core. The group played to tens of thousands across nine countries during summer 2009 and this CD and DVD provide an outstanding souvenir. The title Hakili, meaning good spirit, proves apt. Mamady’s career started when he was chosen, aged just 14, to join the newly formed National Ballet of Guinea — the major state-sponsored cultural troupe in the country. He went on to become Artistic Director and stayed with the Ballet for 20 years. He then moved to Belgium and formed Sewa Kan shortly after. His time is now spent teaching and playing from his new base in the USA. He has released nine albums with his group and several instructional DVDs. The CD (70 mins) was recorded during the tour; the DVD (100 mins) at the Jazz Sous Les Pommiers festival in France.

Musicians :
– MAMADY KEÏTA : djembe solo, djembe bass, vocals & band leader
– BABARA BANGOURA : djembe, backing vocals
– SOULEYMANE “COBRA” CAMARA : djembe, kenkeni & kora
– BABA TOURE : djembe, calabash, gongoma
– MONETTE KEÏTA : kenkeni, djembe
– CECE KOLY : sangban
– YOUSSOUF TRAORE : dunumba
– MAMA ADAMA CAMARA : dance & backing vocals
– BEBEY YOULA : dance & lead vocals
– KANDET DIOUBATE : dance & lead vocals
– PRINCE DIABATE : kora & vocals
– DJELIMADY KOUYATE : balafon
– MANU HERMIA : flute & saxophone«.

(Annotation from the Discographies service, there more releases enlisted — please support the Artists!)

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