Marcus, whose real name was Abdoul Aziz Bangoura, is a Guinean singer, rapper and composer who became famous as a flagship member of the band Banlieuz'Art. Born in 1985 in Conakry in a wealthy family, the son of a diplomat has managed to combine a solid academic background in business law with his devouring passion for music.
His powerful voice and engaging lyrics in various local languages have made him a respected spokesperson in disadvantaged suburbs, captivating the crowd with a unique style combining hip-hop, reggae and traditional African music. With both his cult and solo band, Marcus has established itself as an icon of the Guinean urban scene, transcending borders with acclaimed albums and a journey of personal challenges overcome with courage and resilience.
Introduction
In the rich musical landscape of Guinea, a voice stands out, that of Marcus, the talented singer, rapper and composer of the band Banlieuz'Art. Known by his real name Abdoul Aziz Bangoura, but affectionately nicknamed Konko Malela, Marcus has become an icon of the Guinean hip-hop scene, captivating the crowd with his powerful lyrics, moving rhythms and dynamic performances.
This blog explores Marcus' life and remarkable career, tracing his journey from his humble beginnings to his current status as a star of urban music. We will dive into his childhood, his education, his musical influences and the challenges he had to overcome to success.
Education
Born in 1985 in Conakry, Guinea, in a privileged family, Marcus grew up surrounded by music and culture. Son of a diplomat who was also a minister, he was exposed from a young age to the richness of traditional African music. However, his father insisted on the importance of education, and Marcus followed in his footsteps by studying business law at the Free University of Guinea.
This academic formation proved to be a valuable asset for his musical career. Marcus has acquired management skills that have enabled him to effectively manage his career and stand out from his peers. He skillfully combined his artistic talent with his business knowledge, which enabled him to make informed decisions and navigate successfully in the music industry.
Musical career
Despite his formal education, Marcus's passion for music was unshakeable. As a teenager, he began performing at local events, quickly gaining recognition for his unique style and raw talent. In 2001, he recorded his first single, a moving tribute to his late father.
However, it was not until 2004 that Marcus really entered the Guinean music scene by forming the band Banlieuz'Art with four friends. Despite the difficult beginnings, marked by the death of two members of his family and the departure of his friends from the band, Marcus persisted, finding a mentor and a loyal friend in the person of King Salaman, an artist based in Dakar.
Banlieuz'Art
Marcus' participation in the Urban Afreeka project in 2009, with the song "Police", was a major turning point in his career. This project, run by the MLP label, was aimed at promoting urban music in Guinea, and Banlieuz'Art was chosen for the quality of their compositions and their growing popularity.
Since then, Banlieuz'Art has been a hit, releasing two critically acclaimed albums: "Koun Faya Koun" in 2010 and "Kalanké, Koun Faya KOUN" in 2018. Their unique style, mixing hip-hop, reggae and traditional African music, has attracted crowds and earned them a base of loyal fans in Guinea and beyond.
Marcus' committed speeches, translated into several languages including malinké, subsu and French, covered important topics such as social justice, poverty and hope. His voice has become a voice for the voiceless, resounding strongly in the suburbs of Conakry and beyond.
Solo albums
In addition to his work with Banlieuz'Art, Marcus also began a successful solo career. In 2014, he released his first solo single, "Relève Toi Fria" featuring Petit Kandia and Soul Bang's. Since then, it has been a hit, releasing acclaimed singles such as "Hope" in 2015, "Singué Noun" in 2019 and "Conakry By Night" in 2020.
His solo albums allowed Marcus to explore more of his creativity and approach more personal themes. His frank and genuine words resonated with his fans, who appreciated his honesty and vulnerability.
Challenges and resilience
Although Marcus's career was successful, it was not a road without obstacles. In addition to the challenges associated with the loss of members of his family and the departure of his friends from the group, Marcus had to deal with significant health problems.
In 2022, he publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with diabetes, a challenge he faced with courage and determination. Far from being beaten down, Marcus has inspired this disease, promising to fight with diabetics around the world and show that it is possible to live fully with this condition.
Conclusion
Marcus' career is a testimony to his talent, resilience and passion for music. From his humble beginnings in the suburbs of Conakry to his current status as a star of urban music, he has captivated the crowd with his powerful lyrics, moving rhythms and dynamic performances.
But Marcus is much more than just a musician. He is a spokesperson for his generation, a voice that resonates strongly in the hearts and minds of his fans. His music is a call to action, an invitation to dream of a better future for Guinea and for the world.
Thanks to his unwavering determination and undeniable talent, Marcus will continue to inspire and entertain crowds for many more years. His musical heritage is now an integral part of Guinea's cultural history, and his impact on the African music scene will only increase over time.
