Bembeya Jazz National – Sabu (1987) (24/44 Vinyl Rip)

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Bembeya Jazz National – Sabu (1987) (24/44 Vinyl Rip)

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Bembeya Jazz started in 1961, specializing in modern arrangements of classic Manding tunes. They won the 1st prize at two national arts festival's in 1964 and 1965 and were crowned "National Orchestra" in 1966. Like the Super Rail Band, Bembeya Jazz National received economic support by the government. Initially an acoustic group, featuring a Latin-flavored horn section of saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet, Bembeya Jazz National reached its apex with the addition of lead singer Aboubacar Demba Camara. The group toured widely, and became one of the best-known groups in Africa. Among their biggest hits were the songs "Mami Wata" and "Armee Guineenne".
At this time there was a strong bond between Guinea's President Sekou Toure and Fidel Castro, and in 1965 Bembeya Jazz embarked on a famous tour to Cuba. The acclaimed Cuban singer Abelardo Barroso was moved to tears by Bembeya Jazz's vocalist, Aboubacar Camara. But Camara was killed in a car accident in 1973, on route to a concert in Dakar, Senegal, an event that provoked national mourning in Guinea. After Camara's death and political and economic problems in the country, Bembeya Jazz never managed to regain their status of the 1960s, even though they were active and released many records in the 70ies and 80ies.
Bembeya Jazz National play strongly Cuban-influenced music – or better said, Cuban music is strongly influenced by West African music. These influences came about because the slaves sent to Cuba were mostly from the Manding area of Guinea and Mali. The rhythmic patterns of the music lie close to each other and Cuban music is hugely popular in West Africa to this day. As Salif Keita explained: "I used to sing in Spanish - or at least something I thought was Spanish, for I didn't speak it. I love Cuban music and, more than that, I see it as a duty of all Mali’s people to love Cuban music, for it was through it that we were introduced to modern instruments."
To hear Bembeya Jazz National is an inspiring journey through an exciting musical landscape. Many rate Bembeya Jazz National as one of Africa's best bands ever. At least they are Guinea's most famous band and a giant in West African music. The band was active right up until 1991 and the bandleader Bambino Diabate began his career here.