Guinean singer and musician Mory Kanté died after a long illness on Friday, May 22 in Conakry. It was his son Balla Kanté that he announced to an AFP correspondent. His popularity is due in particular to his planetary title "yéké yéké" released in 1987. Nicknamed "the electric griot", he gave Africa one of the greatest international musical successes. With Miriam Makeba, Idir and Manu Dibango, who died two months ago, Mory Kanté helped democratize and popularize African music around the world. He was one of the most appreciated African artists in Europe, especially in Italy and France. In particular, he opened for Jacques Higelin at Bercy in 1985.
A shared emotion for Mory Kanté
Mory Kanté was appreciated by all, especially for his talent in music. For example, Sékou Diabaté, the guitarist and leader of the legendary Bembeya orchestra said: "The work that has been done has been really well done. Musically, he has the merit, he has the voice." Moreover, according to music journalist Téné Kaba: "He was the one who imposed himself to value this culture which is the Guinean culture, which is the Guinean tradition, but he mixed it with other rhythms". The testimonies of those they knew with him followed one another at the announcement of his death. For example, Malian keyboardist and composer Cheick Tidiane Seck testified: "I lost a brother. He was a demanding musician and companion in good company, with a real sense of humour." The Guinean president himself paid tribute on his Twitter account to Mory Kanté. He considers him an example and a source of pride for Guinea.
#Mory_Kanté La culture africaine est en deuil. Mes condoléances les plus attristées…
Merci l'artiste. Un parcours exceptionnel. Exemplaire. Une fierté. pic.twitter.com/Acoxjyfwnb— Alpha CONDÉ (@alphacondepresi) May 22, 2020
