Abdoul Karim Camara
has passed away. He died
in Conakry on September 23 2014 after a long illness.
Abdoul Karim Camara,
or “Chuck Berry” as he was known to all, was one of the great
characters of Guinean music. He was
a lead vocalist in the federal orchestra Bafing Jazz de Mamou
before
being recruited to Keletigui et ses Tambourinis in the early 1970s.
In that famous group
he fronted the stage as lead singer alongside Babadjan Kaba and Ange Miguel. He was with
Keletigui's orchestra until the
late 1990s, when he left for Dakar to further pursue his career. He
returned to the Tambourinis in 2007, while also
performing with groups such as
Gombo Jazz
and African Groove. His
love of Cuban music was evident in these smaller ensembles,
and at heart and in practice he was
a sonero who was at ease in performing
many musical styles.
“Chuck
Berry” lived his life for music and continued to
perform until 2012.
Many who
went to La Paillote in Conakry would have met
him there. He loved a good time
and was generous with his
knowledge and affection. He
will be missed by all.
My
condolescences to his friends and family, and may
he rest in peace.
A video of
Chuck Berry singing with Keletigui et ses Tambourinis
is here.
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