Yaya Bangoura, known by his stage name El Bango, is a renowned Guinean artist born in 1957 in Kindia. A talented singer-songwriter, he led a dual career as a teacher and musician for several decades. Coming from a large family, Yaya began his musical journey by performing songs from Indian movies and imitating local artists before joining the Syli Authentique of Guinea.
His solo career, launched in 1995, was marked by several successful albums, including "La patience" and "Wo Kobérato", which helped establish his national and international reputation. Despite health issues that led to his evacuation to the United States in 2017, Yaya Bangoura remains a respected figure on the Guinean music scene, known for his distinctive voice and compositions blending tradition and modernity.
Introduction
Yaya Bangoura, better known by his stage name El Bango, is a prominent figure in Guinean music. Born in 1957 in Kindia, Guinea, this artist has left a lasting mark on the music scene of his country and beyond. With a career spanning over four decades, he has skillfully combined his talents as a teacher with his skills as a singer-songwriter.
Early Life and Education
Yaya Bangoura was born into a large family as the eldest of seven children. His father, Soriba Bangoura, practiced polygamy, being married to three women, including M'Bambé Soumah, Yaya's mother. From an early age, Yaya showed a keen interest in education. He began his schooling in 1964 at the primary school of Camp Camayenne (formerly Camp Boiro). In 1970, he was admitted to the Donka Technical College, coinciding with the Portuguese aggression against Guinea.
Yaya continued his studies successfully, earning his high school diploma in 1977. He was then directed to the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Donka. However, not wanting to be automatically funneled into a professional school after two years in this field, he was ultimately redirected to the ENI of Conakry (Ecole Normale d'Instituteurs).
Professional Career
In 1982, Yaya Bangoura obtained his teaching diploma and began his career in education. He worked as a teacher for 16 years until 1998 when he decided to fully dedicate himself to his artistic career. This experience in education likely helped him develop skills that enriched his musical career, particularly in writing lyrics and conveying messages through his songs.
Artistic Career
Alongside his studies and teaching career, Yaya Bangoura cultivated his musical talent. In the 1970s, he began by imitating and performing songs from Indian movies in the cinemas of Conakry. He also covered tracks from famous national orchestras like Bembeya Jazz, Keleti, Horoya-Band, and Balla et ses Balladins.
His paternal uncle, M'bemba Kolandian Bangoura from the Boiro-Band, became his mentor and encouraged him to pursue music. This led Yaya to join the Syli Authentique of Guinea, where he contributed to the composition and performance of popular titles like "André", "Fa bara", "Sènèro", and "Yèrè wolon".
In 1995, Yaya Bangoura decided to embark on a solo career, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic journey.
Discography
Albums
- "La patience" (1995) - His first solo album, produced by DD United with musical contributions from Ansoumane Camara's standard group "Petit Condé."
- "Wo Kobérato" (2000) - Produced by AMACIF, this eight-track album achieved significant success.
- "Allah Yakhori" (2005)
- "Foniké furé mu fakhara" (2011) - Produced by the late Rica Yansané.
Singles
In 2016, Yaya Bangoura released four singles:
- "Wofiri lundi"
- "Khonyè munna"
- "Kaniya lanyi"
- "Antonio Souaré"
Music Videos
Although specific information about his music videos is not readily available, it is likely that Yaya Bangoura produced videos to promote his albums and singles, as is common practice in the music industry.
Health Issues
Yaya Bangoura's health problems began to manifest seriously in 2006. He suffered from a herniated disc and pain in his right foot, which affected his ability to walk properly. These issues are believed to be linked to a childhood fall from a tree that impacted his spine. With the support of the late Rica Yansané, El Bango underwent surgery in Dakar.
On November 14, 2017, Yaya Bangoura was evacuated to the United States for more advanced medical treatment, thanks to the support of numerous Guinean patrons and personalities. Upon arriving in California, the artist was in a wheelchair, having lost control of his legs.
While sources do not explicitly mention his return to Guinea, it is noted that in March 2020, Yaya Bangoura shared an update from the United States. In a Facebook video, he appeared in much better shape, singing some of his popular songs. He revealed that he had undergone three major surgeries and was in rehabilitation.
Personal Life
Yaya Bangoura is married and the father of three children. Despite his flourishing artistic career, he has always maintained a connection to public service, receiving a salary that has helped him support himself, particularly during his periods of illness.
Conclusion
Yaya Bangoura, known as El Bango, is an artist who has left an indelible mark on Guinean music. His journey from teacher to internationally recognized singer is a testament to his versatility and determination. Despite the health challenges he has faced, his passion for music has remained unwavering. His story is one of resilience, transforming hardships into inspiration for his music. Today, as he gradually recovers, the Guinean cultural world eagerly awaits his return to the stage, ready to rediscover the talent of this iconic artist whose unique voice and memorable compositions have touched countless hearts.
