Ibrahima Sory Bah, known as Marco, was an emblematic figure in Guinean cultural and sports journalism. A recognized film critic and member of Africiné (Dakar), he made his mark on the media and football landscape of his country through his sharp pen and unwavering commitment. Founder of Podium Magazine newspaper in Conakry, he also held the strategic position of Secretary General of Hafia FC, one of Guinea's most prestigious clubs and the reigning champion.
A close collaborator of businessman KPC since their childhood, he was respected both for his professional skills and his human qualities. An accomplished polyglot, speaking Pular, Susu, Mandinka, and Spanish, he was a passionate defender of Guinean football and a mentor to many young journalists. A loving and attentive father, he was known for his ability to "keep secrets and find the right words for every situation." His premature death on February 15, 2025, following a short illness, left an immense void in the Guinean cultural and sports world.
Introduction
Ibrahima Sory Bah, better known as Marco, was an emblematic figure in Guinean cultural and sports journalism. A recognized film critic and member of Africiné (Dakar), he left his mark on the media and football landscape of his country through his incisive writing and unwavering commitment. Founder of the newspaper Podium Magazine in Conakry, he was also Secretary General of Hafia FC and a close collaborator of businessman KPC. His premature passing on February 15, 2025, left an immense void in the Guinean cultural and sports world, where he was respected both for his professional skills and human qualities.
Earlier life and Education
Originally from the prefecture of Pita in Middle Guinea, Ibrahima Sory Bah grew up with an early passion for writing, music, and football. A brilliant student, he completed his education at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry, where he obtained a master's degree in journalism in 1999. According to his former professor Yamoussa Sidibé, currently a Counselor at the CNT, Marco "had one of the best writing styles in his class" and was part of "the generation that revolutionized journalism in our country."
Beyond his academic training, Marco was an accomplished polyglot. In addition to his mother tongue, Pular, he was fluent in Susu, Mandinka, and Spanish, a skill that considerably enriched his journalistic work and strengthened his ties with various cultural communities.
Professional Career
From the end of his studies, Ibrahima Sory Bah established himself as a talented and rigorous journalist. He lent his pen to several renowned press organizations, including La Gazette de Guinée, Nouvel Horizon, and La Nouvelle Tribune, where he distinguished himself through his professional standards and tireless pursuit of information.
His passion and expertise led him to found Podium Magazine, a reference cultural publication in Conakry. This newspaper quickly became an essential platform for promoting Guinean arts and culture. As editor-in-chief, Marco trained and inspired a whole generation of young journalists, instilling in them the values of integrity, rigor, and commitment that characterized his own career.
Beyond written journalism, Ibrahima Sory Bah also distinguished himself in the sports field. He held the strategic position of Secretary General of Hafia FC, one of Guinea's most prestigious clubs and the reigning champion. In this role, he contributed significantly to the development of Guinean football, leveraging his media expertise in the service of sport. His proximity to businessman KPC, the club's owner, testified to the trust he inspired and his skills in sports management.
Man of Culture
Ibrahima Sory Bah's contribution to the Guinean cultural landscape was remarkable. As a film critic and member of Africiné in Dakar, he worked to promote African cinema on the international stage. His sharp but fair pen pushed many artists "to give the best of themselves," as Abraham Sonty, alias Koundouwaka, highlighted during his funeral.
Former Minister of Culture Fodéba Isto Keïra, with whom Marco collaborated for several years, praised "his incredible intelligence and sharp pen." His critical yet constructive approach helped raise the level of excellence in Guinean cultural circles.
Passionate about music and literature, Marco was a sought-after interlocutor for artists, for whom he represented both a feared critic and valuable support. His enlightened vision and commitment to promoting the arts earned him the respect and admiration of the entire Guinean cultural community.
Sport
Football held a special place in Ibrahima Sory Bah's life. Beyond his duties as Secretary General of Hafia FC, he was an influential actor in the development of Guinean football as a whole. A member of the "Collective for the Defense of Guinean Football," he actively worked to resolve the crises that regularly shook national football.
His vision for Guinean football was clear: "Put clubs at the center of all discussions" to ensure sustainable and harmonious development of the sport. He advocated that "the final word should only belong to the clubs who must decide the future of our sport," thus demonstrating his attachment to democratic and transparent governance.
His commitment to football development was also manifested through concrete actions, as evidenced by his donation of sports equipment (two sets of jerseys and ten balls) to Soya Star club in Pita, which plays in National 2. This symbolic gesture illustrated his desire to "make [his] modest contribution to the influence of football in Pita in particular, and Guinean football in general."
Death
Ibrahima Sory Bah passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Conakry, following a short illness. His sudden disappearance plunged the world of Guinean journalism, culture, and sports into sadness. As Lucien Beindou Guilao, president of the Guinean Professional Football League (LGFP), emphasized, his premature death left "a bitter taste" because "he had not fulfilled all that he could give to Guinea."
After a tribute ceremony at the Petit Sory stadium in Nongo on Monday, February 17, 2025, his body was taken to the central mosque of Sangoyah for funeral prayers before being buried in his final resting place.
Tribute
The death of Ibrahima Sory Bah triggered a wave of emotion and glowing testimonials, both from his collaborators and the institutions he served. Hafia FC, the Guinean Football Federation, the Guinean Professional Football League, as well as numerous cultural and sports figures paid tribute to his memory.
During the tribute ceremony organized at the Petit Sory stadium in Nongo, Ibrahima Blasco Barry, Secretary General of the Guinean Football Federation, stated that "the entire sports world loses an important element." For his part, Lucien Beindou Guilao emphasized that Marco "leaves the memory of someone who liked to get straight to the point" and whose "memory is indelible."
One of the most moving tributes came from his daughter, Assiatou Bah, who declared during the funeral: "Dad, you are our hero and you will be for eternity. [...] You were a great man, whom we are proud to have as a father. Your great open-mindedness will be missed by us and everyone."
Private Life
Despite his notoriety, Ibrahima Sory Bah remained discreet about his private life. A loving and attentive father, he maintained very close relationships with his children, as evidenced by the moving words of his daughter Assiatou during his funeral: "You were a loving and caring father [...] You always taught us patience, courage, and determination, everything that you embodied in fact."
Known for his loyalty in friendship, Marco was appreciated for his ability to "keep secrets and find the right words for every situation," according to testimonies gathered during his funeral. His long-standing relationship with businessman KPC, which dated back to their childhood, illustrates the solidity of the bonds he knew how to build and maintain throughout his life.
A man of principles and values, he passed on to his children a precious moral heritage, based on "patience, courage, and determination," qualities that fully characterized him.
Conclusion
Ibrahima Sory Bah, known as Marco, will remain in memories as an emblematic figure of Guinean cultural and sports journalism. His sharp pen, professional integrity, and commitment to the development of culture and sports in Guinea have left a lasting mark on all those who crossed his path.
As Abraham Sonty so aptly expressed during his funeral, "Marco's death should lead us to understand that we must love each other and serve each other because life is ephemeral." This philosophy of life, made of generosity and commitment, is undoubtedly the most beautiful legacy that Ibrahima Sory Bah leaves to posterity.
His premature disappearance creates an immense void, but his influence will endure through the many people he inspired and trained. As his daughter Assiatou promised, "we will follow in your footsteps and we will fight to do even more than what you have already done" - an eloquent testimony to the lasting impact he had on his loved ones and an entire generation of Guinean professionals.
