Guinea?s Bembeya Jazz, formed in 1961, at a time and place when Afro-Cuban music resonated and possibly became the bridge between traditional music and modern instrumentation.

In the mid-?60s, Bembeya Jazz, which takes its name from the river that runs through their remote hometown of Beyla, was certified as a national band by Guinea?s first president Sekou Tour?. The band moved to the capital, Conakry, where they performed as many as six nights each week and felt pressure to develop the hottest spine-tingling sounds. From this era emerged their signature four-guitar section, the introduction of Hawaiian slide guitar, and stunning stage performances.

Bembeya?s creative director Aboubacar Demba Camara was killed in a tragic car crash in 1973. The band was eventually able to re-group and right before the 1984 death of President Sekou Tour?, he denationalized Bembeya (their first opportunity to operate internationally) and gave them their own nightclub. But the ?80s saw a significant economic decline in Guinea and most of the band members had to look outside of the Guinean music scene for their primary livelihood. ?The band was not broken up,? says lead guitarist Sekou ?Diamond Fingers? Diabat?. ?But in life, there are ups and downs, good moments and bad moments. So you wait. We were waiting.?

In 2003 Bembeya released its first recording in fourteen years. The band?s 2003 line-up includes four members that hail from the group?s formative years, decades ago. Sekou ?Diamond Fingers? Diabat? has not let up with his fiery guitar embellishments and entertaining stage antics. The high tenor voice of Salifou Kaba joins Dor? Clement on tenor sax, Mohamed Kaba on trumpet, and Cond? Mory Mangala on drums; all veterans of the dozen-member outfit.