Leon Keita – Leon Keita (Analog Africa Dance Edition No.16, 2023)
Leon Keita is a compilation highlighting songs by the mysterious Guinean guitarist Leon Keita, a familiar face on the Malian music scene. His remarkable compositions are defined by Manding traits blended in with funk, jazz, Afrobeat and Afro-Cuban flavors. The first single “Diarabi Mana” intertwines Afrobeat fusion with elegant guitars and organ with Manding music, originally released in 1979 and backed by Beninese Orchestre Black Santiago.
Originally released in 1978, the second single “Gnanassouma” features irresistible guitar and rhythms by the iconic Les Ambassadeurs .
Although Leon didn’t make many solo recordings, his songs continue to inspire the reverence of anyone fortunate enough to have heard them. Analog Africa’s compilation Leon Keita also highlights the Cuban inspired song “Dalaka” which was rediscovered in recent years by Barranquilla’s sound system operator Carlos Estrada and became an unexpected hit on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
The track “Domanin” is Manding Afro-funk composed with Germain Keita and backed by Orchestre Black Santiago led by Ignace de Souza.
A well known artist on the Malian music scene, Leon Keïta was born in Conakry on the Atlantic coast of Guinea in 1947. After completing his studies, he found his way to the Malian capital. In addition to founding the Piano Jazz Orchestra, he worked as a teacher, organizer of cultural festivals, and accountant for the National Tobacco and Match company. During this time, he also wrote reports for the Malian President Modibo Keita, and at the end of meetings, he would sometimes entertain the delegates with a song or two.
In 1970, alongside his close friend Manfila Keita, Leon helped to found the legendary Rail Band. This ensemble became a celebrated mainstay of Bamako’s nightlife and launched the international careers of Salif Keita, Mory Kanté, and many others. Leon himself went on to join Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux, with whom he toured throughout West Africa, before departing to work on his own compositions.
When Leon was ready to visit the recording studio, he invited his friends from Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux to serve as his backing band. This collaboration yielded two records, both released in 1978 on the Papa Disco label. A year later, Leon released “Rythmes et Mélodies du Mali,” co-written with his brother Germain and backed by the magnificent Orchestre Black Santiago. Featuring infectious trumpet from band-leader Ignace de Souza, the LP was recorded in Benin at the Satel Studio in Cotonou.
Leon Keita is available as a Limited Edition LP with a silk-screen printed cover and a 180g high quality virgin vinyl.
01 / A1. Diarabi Mana – Leon Keita (composer Leon Keita). Originally released in 1979
02 / A2. Ifarana – Leon Keita (composer, Leon Keita). Originally released in 1978
03 / A3. Dalaka – Leon Keita (composer, Leon Keita). Originally released in 1979
04 / B1. Gnanassouma – Leon Keita (composer, Leon Keita). Originally released in 1978
05 / B2. Dakan Sate, Korotoumi – Leon Keita (composer, Leon Keita). Originally released in 1978
Only digital. Domanin – Leon Keita (composer, Leon Keita). Originally released in 1979
Buy Leon Keita.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
