Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté (1968–2024), known as "Bélébéléba" (the colossus) or "the Mandingue tenor", was an iconic figure of Guinean music and a proud descendant of a prestigious griot lineage. Originally from Siguiri, he began his musical career at the young age of 15 and quickly established himself as a virtuoso, seamlessly blending traditional Mandingue music with genres such as Afro-pop, Afro-blues, and Afro-jazz.
The acclaimed author of seven albums, he collaborated with renowned artists like Jean-Philippe Rykiel and Tiken Jah Fakoly. At the same time, he served as a cultural ambassador for West African oral traditions, particularly the epic of Soundiata Keita. After a long, courageous nine-year battle with illness, he passed away in Paris on June 22, 2024, at the age of 56. He leaves behind an invaluable musical legacy and the memory of a man deeply admired for his integrity, described by those close to him as a man of conviction with profound values of faith, love, and generosity.
Introduction
Born in 1968 in Siguiri, Guinea, Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté—nicknamed "Bélébéléba" (the colossus in Malinké) and "the Mandingue tenor"— rose to become one of the most powerful and influential voices of Mandingue music. Descended from a prestigious lineage of griots, he embodied the soul of Guinean musical tradition while propelling it into modernity. Sadly, after a long battle with illness that began in 2016, the artist passed away in Paris on June 22, 2024, at the age of 56, leaving behind a priceless musical legacy.
Difficult Childhood and Early Beginnings
Despite a childhood marked by hardship—raised by a stepmother and with limited support from his intellectual father—Mory Djély found his calling in music from an early age. He began his musical career at the age of 15 in Kankan, quickly revealing an exceptional talent that would impact generations to come.
Multi-Faceted Artist
Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté’s artistic journey was as rich as it was diverse. A true virtuoso, he moved fluidly across genres—traditional Mandingue music, Afro-pop, folk-pop, Afro-blues, Afro-Cuban, and Afro-jazz. This impressive versatility allowed him to stand out on the international stage and collaborate with renowned artists such as Jean-Philippe Rykiel and Tiken Jah Fakoly.
He released seven albums throughout his career, all of which received both national and international acclaim. He was particularly proud of his final project—what he called “the project of his life”—an album he completed with passion before his illness. His daughter, Djènedine Kouyaté, has promised to finalize and release it.
Committed Cultural Ambassador
More than a musician, Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté embodied the very essence of the modern griot. A guardian of Mandingue traditions, he devoted his life to preserving and transmitting West Africa’s cultural heritage—especially the epic of Soundiata Keita. His powerful voice and timeless compositions helped Guinean musical culture shine far beyond African borders.
In a 2014 interview, the artist voiced concern about the state of Guinean artists: “The Guinean authorities have no pity for artists; Guinean culture is poorly managed.” He advocated for greater recognition and stronger support for the cultural sector, reminding the public of the historical importance of artists in the country’s development: “Let us not forget that artists were the driving force of this country during the First Republic. Under the first regime and the late Fodéba Keita, the very first Guinean budget came from the artists.”
Man of Deep Values
Beyond his musical talents, Mory Djély was widely known for his exceptional human qualities. As former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté said, “Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté wasn’t just someone who delighted us with his melodies—he was a kind-hearted man who sought to know and understand others.”
His daughter Djènedine described him as “a man of conviction and honor,” who taught her fundamental values such as “faith, love, respect, patience, forgiveness, and hard work.” She also highlighted his generous spirit and commitment to giving back, as seen in his many humanitarian efforts.
Brave Battle with Illness and a Honorable Farewell
Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté fought bravely against illness for nine years. As his daughter said during the national tribute: “For nine years, you reassured us that everything would be fine. You fought like a true warrior.”
His passing triggered an outpouring of emotion across Guinea. His remains were repatriated from Paris on June 29, 2024, and received with honors in Conakry. A national symposium was held on June 30 at the People’s Palace, attended by numerous government officials, artists, and political figures. He was then laid to rest at the Cameroun Cemetery following a funeral prayer at the Fayçal Mosque.
Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah paid a heartfelt tribute to the artist: “His musical and spiritual legacy not only enriched our culture but also touched the hearts of many Guineans and people beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.”
Legacy That Lives On
Today, although Mory Djély Deen Kouyaté is no longer with us, his influence continues to resonate throughout the African music world. As Moussa Moise Sylla, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Handicrafts, so eloquently said at the tribute ceremony: “We are not celebrating death, but life. Yes, the life of an artist who married tradition and modernity and carried the values of Guinean music to great heights.”
His daughter Djènedine has vowed to ensure the preservation of her father's work: “We, his children, under the leadership of our elder brother Sékou Deen Kouyaté, will make sure that his work and the many creations he left behind are preserved for the Guinean nation and for all of humanity.”
Dubbed the “Mike Tyson of Guinean music” by some, he leaves behind a rich musical heritage that will continue to inspire future generations and carry the voice of Mandingue culture across the globe. His name will forever be etched in the musical history of Guinea and of Africa.
