Alpha Wess, whose real name is Mohamed Bangoura, is an iconic Guinean reggae singer and a founding member of MOURAG (Mouvement Rasta de Guinée). As a committed singer-songwriter, he has made a mark on the music scene with his unique style that blends roots reggae with traditional African instruments like the kora, the n'goni, and the Peul flute. A polyglot, he sings in Pular, French, Susu, English, and Malinke to amplify the reach of his messages denouncing social injustices and political corruption in Guinea.
After releasing Baadé Gemba (2000) and The Clash of Cultures (2004), he was forced into exile in France following an assassination attempt, a consequence of his outspoken criticism of Lansana Conté's regime. Following a decade-long silence, he returned in 2018 with his album Dounia, continuing his musical fight for justice and peace while earning a law degree from Université Paris 3.
Introduction
Alpha Wess, whose real name is Mohamed Bangoura, is a prominent figure in Guinean reggae. As a committed singer-songwriter, he has built a reputation through his music, which boldly denounces the social and political injustices of his homeland.
The Beginnings of a Committed Artist
Born in Guinea, Alpha Wess began his musical career in 1990. Initially drawn to writing, he eventually chose music as a means of expression to reach a wider audience, particularly the 65% of Guineans who are illiterate. His belief: "The essential thing is not just to speak, but to be heard."
In 2000, he released his debut album Baadé Gemba, earning him immediate recognition. That same year, he released a four-track maxi single titled Wé yéfa wéé tèssiga, a work that was purchased and destroyed by the ruling authorities — a sign of the challenges he would face in the years to come.
Music Rooted in Tradition
Alpha Wess stands out with his roots reggae style enriched with traditional African instruments like the kora, the n'goni, and the Peul flute. A talented polyglot, he sings in Pular, French, Susu, English, and Malinke, ensuring that his message reaches as many people as possible.
As a founding member of MOURAG (Mouvement Rasta de Guinée), he performs both with a big band (featuring saxophone, guitar, drums, bass, and keyboard) and in a more acoustic, traditional setting.
Forced Exile of a Censored Artist
In 2004, his second album Koutou Koutou (internationally renamed The Clash of Cultures) marked a turning point in his life. In this work, Alpha Wess openly criticized President Lansana Conté's regime and condemned the corruption of Guinean elites who monopolize the country's wealth despite its abundant natural resources.
The repercussions were swift: a ban on performing, the censorship of his album, and finally, on June 12, 2004, an assassination attempt that forced him into exile in France on June 20.
Artistic Rebirth After Exile
Settled in Paris, Alpha Wess continued his musical struggle while earning a law degree from Paris 3 University. After a decade-long discographic silence, he made a comeback in 2018 with Dounia (or Dounouya), his third album featuring twelve tracks.
In this work, he addresses themes close to his heart: love, peace, justice, and the ongoing corruption and hardships afflicting his country.
A Significant Musical Legacy
Alpha Wess is part of the lineage of great West African artists like Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly. His music, both critical and hopeful, has established him as an important voice in African conscious reggae.
His ability to merge reggae with traditional African sounds while delivering powerful multilingual messages demonstrates his unique talent and unwavering commitment to a fairer world.
