Mamady Keita

Born in August 1950 in Balandougou, Guinea, Mamady Keïta was an acclaimed percussionist who specialized in playing a hand drum called djembe. He is best known as the founder of the Tam Tam Mandigue Djembe Academy. Mamady Keïta discovered music at the age of five when he was called upon to participate in many ceremonies, festivals and celebrations in his village. Two years later, he took djembe lessons and, at the age of 12, he became a member of the first regional federal ballet. He later became its first soloist and toured all over the world with the troupe. After settling in Brussels, Belgium, in 1988, he taught Mandingo rhythms at the Répercussions school. He released his debut album, Wassolon (with Sew Kan), in 1989. His reputation as a teacher and musician spread and allowed him to pursue a prolific career, both as an educator - with numerous DVDs dedicated to Mandingo rhythms - and as a live performer and recording artist. His catalog also includes the titles Hamanah with Famoudou Konaté (1996), Mamady Lèè (2001), and Agiatè (2002). A compilation retracing his career called Djembe Master was released in 2004. Mamady Keïta died on June 21, 2021, following heart complications. He was 71.

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