Ami Koïta is one of the most famous griottes in Mali, and the above cassette (recorded ca 1976 by Radio Mali) represents some of her earliest recordings. Her version of the epic narrative "Tara" is an outstanding performance, with her voice soaring above the traditional ensemble and providing impetus and drive. Difficult to obtain in Bamako, let alone anywhere else, the three volume series would make a great contribution if re-released on CD.

Graeme Counsel © Copyright

→ More African classics

Kanté Manfila & Salif Keita "Dans l'authenticité vol 1"	Les Ambassadeurs du Motel
Kanté Manfila & Salif Keita "Dans l'authenticité vol 2"	Doura Barry "Laureat de Guinea"
L'arbre éternel - Syliphone LP 28	Djali Madi Tounkara and The Rail Band
Guinée an XII - Syliphone LP 21	Keletigui et ses Tambourinis - Syliphone LP 30
Orchestre Régional de Kayes	Mamadi Diabaté et Les Ambassadeurs
Victoire à la Révolution - Syliphone LP 29	Souleymané Traoré dit Neba Solo
Orchestre Régional de Mopti	Rail Band "Soundiata"
Teningnini Damba	A Search for the Roots of the Blues vols 1 & 2
Ernesto Djedje "Le roi du ziglibithy"	L'Orchestre National "A" de la République du Mali

→ Discographies

by record label -   • Syliphone     • Club Voltaïque du Disque     • Tempo International     • Mali Kunkan    • Société Ivoirienne du Disque     • Safie Deen

by group -             • Bembeya Jazz     • Les Ambassadeurs     • Rail Band     • Salif Keita

by nation -            • Guinea Bissau     • Mali    • Guinea    • Mauritania     • The Gambia    • Burkina Faso     • Senegal - coming soon

other - • Guinean orchestras of the 1st republic • Malian orchestras 1960-1980 • Rail Band & Les Ambassadeurs family tree