The BEMBEYA JAZZ NATIONAL of Guinea

A meeting in Conakry (Guinea) with the Bembeya Jazz National, a Guinean jazz group that gained fame in the 1960s for their Afropop Rythms. They are considered one of the most significant bands in Guinean music.
In the aftermath of the Guinean independence in 1958 and through the cultural policy of “authenticité”, which encouraged cultural pride, numerous bands were created throughout the regions of Guinea.
In the early years of independence Guinea’s president, Ahmed Sékou Touré, disbanded all private dance orchestras and replaced them with state supported groups.
The most popular was Bembeya Jazz National, formed in 1961, Blending Guinean mandingo musical traditions with Cuban and Congolese influences.
They were the first in Africa to make a musical « Régard sur le passé » about the struggle of Almamy Samory Touré against imminent colonial rule in Guinea.

FR with ENG subs

Directed / filmed / edited by Eric Desjeux

Shot in Conakry (Guinea) in April 2018

With
Sékou Diabaté, aka « Diamond Fingers »: Music conductor, Guitarist, Singer, Composer
Camara Sékou Legrow: Founding member, Administrator, Composer, Trumpetist, Narrator
Moussa Touré: Singer
Almamy Labass Sylla: Singer
Mamady Diabaté: Guitarist
Sekouba Diabaté: Guitarist
Moriba Kaba: Drummer
Kalil Keïta: Bassist
Abdoulaye Touré: Trombonist
Salif Camara: Trumpeter
Fodé Salif Camara Trumpeter

English subtitles: Anne-Marie Brigham
Transcription: Laurence Grun

© Eric Desjeux - 2018