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Horoya Band
(Guinea)
Biography
Horoya Band was one of the many orchestras in Guinée-Conakry during the 1960s and 1970s.
Under the regime of Sekou Touré, the best bands were awarded with the title Orchestre national and had
the possibility to travel to Cuba to learn more about Afro-cuban music.
After having won yearly awards three times from their home town Kankan, Horoya Band achieved the title of national orchestra in 1971, as one the last orchestras. The band was led by Metoura Traoré (tenor sax). Two years later, in 1973, they recorded a LP on the state record label Syliphone, entitled « Zoumana », also referred to as « Savane profonde ». These recordings have been re-issued on CD.
When the state support for culture disappeared with the death of Sekou Touré, many of the orchestras disintegrated, such as Kélétigui et ses Tambourinis and Balla et ses Balladins. Horoya Band faced similar problems and and recorded and performed rarely. They were, however, successful at a concert where several old orchestras performed in 2008 in Conakry.
When Metoura Traoré retired, conga player Lamine Camara became band leader. Apparently, the band was without instruments by 2013.
After having won yearly awards three times from their home town Kankan, Horoya Band achieved the title of national orchestra in 1971, as one the last orchestras. The band was led by Metoura Traoré (tenor sax). Two years later, in 1973, they recorded a LP on the state record label Syliphone, entitled « Zoumana », also referred to as « Savane profonde ». These recordings have been re-issued on CD.
When the state support for culture disappeared with the death of Sekou Touré, many of the orchestras disintegrated, such as Kélétigui et ses Tambourinis and Balla et ses Balladins. Horoya Band faced similar problems and and recorded and performed rarely. They were, however, successful at a concert where several old orchestras performed in 2008 in Conakry.
When Metoura Traoré retired, conga player Lamine Camara became band leader. Apparently, the band was without instruments by 2013.
Horoya Band National LP cover
• Musicians in Horoya Band:
Métoura Traoré (died 11 April 2021) band leader, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, flute;
Lansana Konde lead guitar;
Siré Diabaté guitar, bass;
Ibrahima Diawara rhythm guitar, balafon;
Kaman Kante bass;
Lansiné Kante (died July 2011) lead vocals;
Fodé Dioubaté (born in Kankan 1942, died 30 June 1981) lead vocals, trumpet;
Alkaly Touré trumpet;
Yébé Traoré trumpet;
Naby Camara alto saxophone;
Lamine Camara conga, later also band leader;
Ansoumane Kaloka drums;
Abdoulaye Sanoh rhythm guitar (on part of the songs);
Métoura Traoré (died 11 April 2021) band leader, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, flute;
Lansana Konde lead guitar;
Siré Diabaté guitar, bass;
Ibrahima Diawara rhythm guitar, balafon;
Kaman Kante bass;
Lansiné Kante (died July 2011) lead vocals;
Fodé Dioubaté (born in Kankan 1942, died 30 June 1981) lead vocals, trumpet;
Alkaly Touré trumpet;
Yébé Traoré trumpet;
Naby Camara alto saxophone;
Lamine Camara conga, later also band leader;
Ansoumane Kaloka drums;
Abdoulaye Sanoh rhythm guitar (on part of the songs);
Formed: 1965, in Kankan
Style: modern Guinean music / mandingo music
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| Tunyalee | (?) | Bolibana inédits | 3-track digital compilation |
| Wèrè Wèrè | 2006 | Bolibana 76041-2 | Compilation, reissue of DKS012 |
| Paya-Paya | 1997 | Dakar Sound DSK012 | Compilation, SLP41 plus singles |
| Horoya Band National - Zoumana | 1973 | Syliphone SLP 41 | Also referred to as 'Savane profonde' |
| Tracks by Horoya Band on compilations: | |||
| Discothèque 75 - Artistes Du Peuple | 1975 | Syliphone SLP 49 | Syli Authentic / Djoli Band / Horoya-Band / Super Boiro Band / Camayenne Sofa |
| Le Chemin Du P.D.G. / Tunyalee | 1971 | Syliphone SLP 27 | Bembeya Jazz National / Horoya Band de Kankan |
| Trio fédéral de pointe | 1971 | Syliphone SLP 25 | Kebendo-Jazz / Horoya-Band / Niandan-Jazz |
| P.D.G. / Boloba | 1970 | Syliphone SLP 17 | Kouyate Sory Kandia / Horoya Band de Kankan |
| Albums by Demba Conde: | |||
| Demba Condé chanteur Horoya Band | 197? | Papa-Disco DISCO 027 | LP (red cover) |
| Demba Condé chanteur Horoya Band | 197? | Papa-Disco DISCO 026 | LP (blue cover) |
Sources
https://wrldsrv.blogspot.nl [external link];
www.radioafrica.com.au/Discographies/Syliphone.html [external link].
https://wrldsrv.blogspot.nl [external link];
www.radioafrica.com.au/Discographies/Syliphone.html [external link].
Page added February 1998