Kanté Manfila, whose real name was "Manfila Soba Kanté", was a legendary Guinean musician of Mandingue music. Born in 1947 in Farabanah, in the Kankan region of Guinea, he came from a well-known grit family. A singer, composer, arranger and guitar virtuoso, Manfila has marked the history of African music by his exceptional talent and his invaluable contribution to the preservation and radiance of the rich Mandinga tradition.
Although little known to the general European public, he was a true icon in the countries of West Africa of Mandinga tradition, where his works have reached a status of timeless classics. His mastery of guitar, musical eclecticism and artistic heritage have made him one of the most influential pioneers of modern Mandingue music.
Introduction
Kanté Manfila, nicknamed "Manfila Sara", was a singer, arranger, songwriter and virtuoso of Mandinga guitar. Originally from Guinea, he has marked the history of African music, especially in the countries of Mandinga tradition, thanks to his exceptional contribution to the music of that region. Although little known to the European public, Manfila has left an indelible mark on the African musical landscape.
Childhood
Born in 1947 in Farabanah, a village near the town of Kankan in Guinea, Kanté Manfila came from a well-known grit family. From an early age, he was exposed to the rich musical tradition of his native region. At the age of 16, he began to learn guitar as an autodidact, after being introduced to the balafon, a typical percussion musical instrument of West Africa.
Musical Journey
In 1967, Manfila moved to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where he met Malian saxophonist Moussa Cissokho. Under the tutelage of the latter, he deepened his musical knowledge, notably in solfex, chords and harmony. This training allowed him to become familiar with contemporary music of the time.
In 1968, Manfila was invited by Sorry Bamba, director of the Mopti Instrumental Ensemble in Mali, to perform in the country. Together, they recorded the album "Clash Mandingue", a bold blend of Cuban pachanga, boogaloo (fusion of soul, rhythm & blues and Afro-Cuban rhythms) and Congolese rumba.
Success
Manfila's great breakthrough came when he joined the legendary group "Les Ambassadeurs du Motel" in Bamako, Mali, in 1972. Through his exceptional guitar talent and innovative arrangements, he helped to redefine the band's style, moving it away from classical standards to anchor it further into African roots. Within this group he collaborated with renowned artists such as Salif Keita and his cousin Mory Kanté.
In 1978, following the arrest of several political figures protecting the orchestra, Manfila and Salif Keita decided to join Abidjan and founded "Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux". Their album "Mandjou" became a real jewel of Mandingue music, highlighting the exceptional voice of Salif Keita.
Discography
From 1987, Kanté Manfila began a prolific solo career, alternating between electric and acoustic albums. Among his most notable works are:
- "Kankan Blues" (1987) : A tribute to its roots, celebrating the rich musical tradition of Kankan.
- "Tradition" (1988) : A review of the music of Malinké, highlighting his melodic guitar, the kora of Mory Kanté and the balafon of Ibrahima Diabaté.
- "Diniya" (1990) : A sophisticated orchestrated style, combining Mandingue blues, rock and synthetic sounds.
- "Back To Farabanah" (1998) : A return to the sources, exploring the acoustic roots of his youth.
Awards and Recognitions
In 2005, Kanté Manfila was named Knight of the National Order of Mali by President Amadou Toumani Touré, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to African music, Malian music. This distinction testifies to the importance of his musical heritage in the region.
Conclusion
Kanté Manfila was a true pioneer of Mandinga music, belonging to the generation of "Guitar Hero" such as Sekou Bembeya Diabaté or Djelimadi Tounkara. His guitar virtuosity, talent for composition and innovative arrangements have permanently marked the African musical landscape. Although unknown to the European public, his influence and heritage will forever remain engraved in the collective memory of the countries of Mandinga tradition. Goodbye to this prolific and eclectic artist, who brilliantly crossed musical boundaries.
