Mory Kanté

Mory Kanté was a Guinean musical legend often dubbed “The Electric Griot” for his electrifying blend of West African traditions and modern grooves. Born into a Griot family—a hereditary role as storytellers and historians—in 1950, he grew up immersed in Mali and Guinea’s rich musical heritage. He first gained recognition in the 1970s playing with Bembeya Jazz National before launching a solo career that fused traditional instruments like the kora with synth-driven beats. His 1987 global smash *Yeke Yeke* became a dancefloor anthem, topping charts across Europe and Africa and cementing his status as a pioneer of Afrobeat and world music.

Kanté’s vibrant sound and cross-cultural flair made him a symbol of African musical innovation. Even decades later, his tracks like *Yeke Yeke* and *Sabou* remain timeless, inspiring fresh remixes (like those in your list!) that keep his legacy alive. Beyond the beats, he championed humanitarian causes and cultural preservation until his passing in 2020. Mory Kanté’s music isn’t just a party starter—it’s a joyful bridge between generations and continents.

Genres

Afrobeat

Afropop

Highlife

West African Music

Traditional African Music

Worldbeat

Related Artists

Salif Keita

Amadou & Mariam

Youssou N'Dour

Baaba Maal

Rokia Traoré

Habib Koité

Oumou Sangaré

Ali Farka Touré

Tinariwen

Toumani Diabaté

Manu Dibango

Boubacar Traoré

Latest Release

Yeke Yeke (Extended Mix)

Mory Kanté

Single - Released April 13, 2018