Sory Kandia Kouyaté was a towering figure in the world of African music, whose resonance beyond his native Guinea made him one of the most impressive vocalists of his time. Born in 1933 near Kankan in Guinea, he was descended from a long line of griots, the traditional custodians of the Manding culture's oral history, poems, and music. Sory Kandia Kouyaté began singing at the tender age of seven and quickly became renowned for his commanding voice and the emotive power of his performances.

Throughout his career, Kouyaté was intimately involved in the cultural revolution of Guinea after its independence in 1958, becoming an emblem of Pan-African pride as he took on the role of the lead soloist in the state-supported ensemble, Bembeya Jazz National. Celebrated for his contributions to the modern interpretations of Manding classics and for his ability to captivate audiences with his profound and melodious narratives, Kouyaté continued to collect accolades, such as the Grand Prix du Disque in 1970. He remained a presiding voice of West African music until his untimely death in 1977. His recorded works, such as "La voix de la Révolution", "L'épopée du mandingue", and collections like "Bolibana Collection - Merveilles du passé", stand testament to his profound influence and enduring legacy in the musical traditions of the Manding people and beyond.

Genres

Guinean Pop

Mande Pop

Ngoni

West African Jazz

Latest Release

La voix de la Révolution, Vol. 1

Sory Kandia Kouyaté

Album - 14 Tracks - Released January 1, 2012