In the footsteps of…Mory Kanté

by | May 7, 2019 | in the footsteps of | 0 comments

The Guinean star, a pioneer of Afro funk, has just published a book and record to pass on his knowledge of Mandingo culture to young people.

The 69-year-old Guinean singer has not been more popular than his song “Yéké Yéké”, released in the 1990s. But he remains an indisputable figure of African music and an ambassador of Mandingo culture, whose heritage he claims.

Since a heritage is meant to be passed on, Mory Kanté has decided to release a book-disc which has just won the Coup de cœur musiques du monde prize from the Académie Charles Cros (young audience category).

“Cocorico! Balade d’un griot” is a tale of initiation for children from 5 years old, which tells the story of the waiting and the advent of a baby like no other. It is inspired by his own story: that of a child born a djéli (Bambara word for griot), like his father before him and like his father’s father, heir to a prestigious lineage that goes back to the foundation of the Mandingo Empire in the 13th century. Like his troubadour ancestors who used to peddle the deeds of the valiant Soundiata Keita and other lords of the Empire, Mory Kanté the modernist has spent his life perpetuating the epic gesture in his turn.

The story of Cocorico! resonates with a mystical and joyful Africa, where the wisdom of the elders vies with the hubbub of village festivals.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 × 5 =

Derniers Articles