Sona Tata Condé is a prominent Guinean singer and songwriter, born in Kouroussa, who comes from a prestigious musical lineage with a noble father and a griot mother, the famous vocalist Sona Djély Kouyaté. An artist with a distinctive and high-pitched voice, she has established herself since 1995 as a major figure in modern Mandingo music, skillfully blending musical traditions with contemporary influences such as jazz, soul, funk, and rock. Her discography includes six remarkable albums, including "Innocent" (2017) which was a great success with more than 1.1 million views on YouTube.
She is married to Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté (Simbo), who is also her artistic director. Multilingual in her music, she sings in Malinke, Fula, Susu, French, and English, addressing important social themes such as children's education and early marriages, while remaining faithful to her cultural roots while modernizing them.
Introduction
Sona Tata Condé is a Guinean singer and songwriter of international renown. A versatile artist, she has established herself as one of the major voices of modern Mandingo music, skillfully blending the musical traditions of her heritage with contemporary influences such as jazz, soul, funk, and rock.
Earlier life and Education
Born in Kouroussa, Guinea, Sona Tata Condé comes from an illustrious musical lineage. Her father was a nobleman, while her mother, the famous Sona Djély Kouyaté, was a respected griot and one of the greatest divas of traditional Mandingo music. It is from her mother that she inherited her gift for singing and her deep attachment to musical tradition. During her adolescence, while she was in her final year of high school, her passion for music became so strong that she decided to leave her studies to devote herself entirely to musical art.
Marriage with Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté
The love story between Sona Tata Condé and Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté, nicknamed Simbo, is particularly touching. Their first meeting dates back to when Sona was still in sixth grade. Sekouba, who regularly visited Sona's mother (his aunt), was immediately attracted to the young girl. He recounts having had a vision during their first meeting, seeing himself giving a concert with her in a large hall. Convinced that she would be the woman of his life, he had to wait nine years before he could marry her. Today, they form a solid artistic couple, with Sekouba being the artistic director for his wife.
Artistic Career
Sona Tata Condé's professional career truly began in 1995. Although initially shy in front of the microphone, she quickly overcame this apprehension to become an accomplished artist. Her high-pitched voice and unique style, mixing acoustic music, afro-fusion, afro-pop, and afro-dance, allowed her to forge a distinctive musical identity. She sings primarily in Malinke, her mother tongue, but also expresses herself in other languages common in Conakry such as Fula, Susu, French, and English.
Albums
Throughout her career, Sona Tata Condé has produced several notable albums:
- 1995: First self-titled album, self-produced with Guinean and Malian artists
- 1995: "La fleur fine" (Sona Store)
- 1999: "Wara Soneya" (Sonia Store Production)
- 2000: "Fansa Wali" (Syllart Productions)
- 2007: "Simbo," an afro-pop album named in honor of her husband
- 2017: "Innocent" (SKK Productions), which was a great success with more than 1.1 million views on YouTube
Singles
Her repertoire addresses various socially engaged themes. In the album "Innocent," she particularly deals with the daily lives of Guineans, the protection and education of children, as well as early and forced marriages of young girls. The title "Simbo," from the album of the same name, is a declaration of love to her husband that perfectly illustrates her ability to touch hearts.
Private Life
Her personal life is closely linked to her artistic career, notably through her marriage with Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté. Their union is regularly celebrated on stage and in the media, with Sekouba not hesitating to publicly express his love and admiration for his wife. In 2016, during a concert at the French-Guinean Cultural Center, he notably wanted to put an end to rumors of separation by publicly reaffirming his attachment to Sona Tata. The couple frequently collaborates on stage, thus fulfilling Sekouba's prophetic vision.
Rumors concerning the married life of the famous Guinean musical couple Sona Tata Condé and Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté have intensified in recent months. According to circulating gossip, the singer reportedly left the marital home about six months ago, thus endangering their union which was until then considered a model in the Guinean artistic community. These speculations took on new significance on November 10, 2024, when Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté published photos of his marriage to a second wife on his Facebook page, further fueling rumors of difficulties within his relationship with Sona Tata Condé. This situation marks an unexpected turn in the story of this couple who used to publicly celebrate their love, especially during their joint musical performances.
Conclusion
Sona Tata Condé represents an important figure in contemporary Guinean music. Heir to a rich musical tradition passed down by her mother, she has developed her own style by skillfully fusing the Mandingo heritage with modern influences. Her career continues to thrive, as evidenced by her numerous projects and constant success with the public. Her marriage with Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté forms an artistic and personal union that enriches the Guinean music scene. Through her socially engaged songs and unique style, she perpetuates tradition while modernizing it, establishing herself as an influential voice in contemporary African music.
