Sékou Bembeya Diabaté, also known as "Sékouba diabaté", is a living legend of Guinean music.
Born in 1944 in Tiro, he is the co-founder of the legendary orchestra Bembeya Jazz National, which he helped to propel on the forefront of the African music scene in the post-independence years.
Virtuoso guitarist nicknamed "Diamond Fingers" for his unparalleled skill, Sékou Bembeya Diabaté has developed a unique style, a subtle blend of traditional Mandingo sounds and modern musical influences, which has revolutionized Western Africa's urban music.
Humble and modest, this iconic artist has left an indelible mark on African music, inspiring many generations of musicians across the continent.
Introduction
Sékou Bembeya Diabaté, also known as "Sékouba diabaté", is a legendary figure in Guinean music. A virtuoso guitarist and co-founder of the famous Bembeya Jazz National Orchestra, he revolutionized urban music in West Africa in the post-independence years. Nominated "Diamond Fingers" for his outstanding skill, Sékou Bembeya Diabaté has left an indelible mark on the African music scene.
Childhood
Sékou Bembeya Diabaté was born on 8 July 1944 in Tiro, in the Faranah region of Upper Guinea, from a family of artists. His father, El'Hadj Djéli Fodé Diabaté, was a singer, balladist and former director of the Guinean Instrumental Ensemble. It is in this family setting impregnated with Mandingue musical tradition that the young Sékou developed his talents from a very young age.
Carrier start
In 1959, Sékou Bembeya Diabaté made his first steps in Conakry, under the wing of his cousin Papa Diabatè, nicknamed "Grand Papa". The latter helped him introduce himself to modern guitar, an instrument that he would quickly adopt as his favorite instrument. In 1961, Sékou was first noticed at a party in Kankan, where his talent as a guitarist impressed the assembly. It was at this time that he joined the Syli Orchestra, the first orchestra in Guinea.
Bembeya Jazz National
In the same year, Sékou Bembeya Diabaté was invited by the governor of Beyla, Emile Condé, to join the city's orchestra, which would later become the famous "Bembeya Jazz National". This is where Sékou finds his true path, becoming the soloist guitarist and the central pivot of this ensemble that will revolutionize the urban music of West Africa.
Musical career
Within the Bembeya Jazz National, Sékou Bembaya Diabaté develops a unique style, a scholarly blend of kora, balafon and modern influences captured from the radio. His play of guitar, lyrical and sensual, makes him an outstanding musician, recognizable among all. His flamboyant solos and innovative arrangements contributed greatly to the outstanding success of Bembeya Jazz National, which became the flagship group of Guinea and the favourite of President Sékou Touré.
National and international tours
Bembeya Jazz National is experiencing a brilliant rise, chaining national and international tours. At the FESPAC (Festival des Arts et de la Culture) in Lagos in 1977, the stunning performance of Sékou Bembeya Diabaté earned him the nickname of "Diamond Fingers", in recognition of his guitar virtuosity. The group is invited throughout Africa and also performs in Europe, consolidating its global reputation.
Singles and collaborations
Although he has mainly recorded with the Bembeya Jazz National, Sékou Bembaya Diabaté has also made some personal projects, such as the albums "Sékou Diabatée Bembeia" (1985), "Digné" (1987) and "Diamond Fingers". (1995). In 1997, he collaborated with his compatriot Djanka Diabaté, nicknamed "la divine", for the album "Samba Gaye". This union gave rise to several other high-quality recordings.
Awards and Recognition
In addition to his nickname "Diamond Fingers", Sékou Bembeya Diabaté was named best guitarist at the FESPAC in Lagos in 1977. His virtuosity and influence on modern African music earned him many other distinctions throughout his career.
Personal life
Married to Djanka Diabaté, he is the father of four children. He shared his life between Conakry, the capital of Guinea, and Paris, where he had attachments. Despite his immense success, the artist remained humble and modest, regarding his guitar as "the only woman in his life".
Conclusion
Sékou Bembeya Diabaté is an iconic figure of African music. Co-founder of the legendary Bembeya Jazz National, he made an indelible mark on the history of urban music in West Africa. His diamond fingers, his creativity, his sense of innovation and his modesty make him an unusual artist, a source of inspiration for many generations of African guitarists. Today, at the dawn of a new life, Sékou Bembeya Diabaté leaves behind an invaluable musical legacy, which continues to resonate across the continent.
