Mohamed Ousmane Aliou Camara, better known as Gaspari, is a Guinean singer-songwriter born in 1960 in Conakry. A committed artist and trained teacher, he first gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the instrumental ensemble of the Camp Boiro Committee during the Socialist Cultural Revolution. After 1984, he contributed to the revival of Guinean music alongside artists like Doura Barry and Rizo Bangoura.
Strongly influenced by Sékouba Bambino Diabaté, Gaspari released his only album, "Décret", in 2003. The album features nine tracks, including the popular song "Lycée Guinée". Alongside his musical career, he works as a plumbing and sanitation engineer and serves as a teacher at the Ratoma Vocational Training Center. Despite having just one album, Gaspari has a repertoire of 89 unreleased compositions awaiting production. His journey reflects the challenges faced by Guinean artists who often need to balance their musical passion with other professional activities to make a living.
Introduction
Mohamed Ousmane Aliou Camara, better known as Gaspari, is a Guinean singer-songwriter born in 1960 in Conakry. A versatile artist and trained teacher, he has left a significant mark on the Guinean music scene, notably with his iconic track "Lycée Guinée", while also pursuing a career in technical education.
Education and Academic Background
Young Mohamed began his primary education at Camp Boiro before continuing his secondary studies at the school in the Cameroon neighborhood and later at Lycée 2 Août, where he stood out as the top of his class. His academic excellence led him to the National School of Arts and Trades (ENAM), where he specialized in plumbing and sanitation. After three years of professional training at the school in Matoto, he earned the rank of Engineer in Plumbing and Sanitation.
Artistic Career
Gaspari's musical journey began during the revolutionary period when he became actively involved in various artistic and cultural organizations. He served as a lead vocalist for the instrumental ensemble of the Camp Boiro Committee during the Socialist Cultural Revolution. Following the military takeover in 1984, he became part of a generation of artists, alongside figures like Doura Barry, Rizo Bangoura, and the late Boul Diallo, who contributed to the revitalization of Guinean music.
Strongly influenced by Sékouba Bambino Diabaté, whom he regards as his idol, Gaspari developed his unique musical style. His time in Germany (1997-1999), supported by a professional training scholarship, marked a turning point in his career. During this period, he became the star performer at the Mandingo nightclub, regularly showcasing his compositions on a PSS 510 keyboard.
Albums and Repertoire
In 2003, Gaspari released his only album titled "Décret", which consists of nine tracks. Despite having a limited discography, he has an impressive repertoire of 89 unreleased compositions awaiting a producer to bring them to life. More recently, he created a music video dedicated to the Horoya Athletic Club (HAC), funded by its president, Soufiane Souaré.
Notable Singles
Among his most memorable works is the track "Lycée Guinée", which provoked a strong reaction from the female students of Lycée 2 Août. Following an incident where he became the target of projectiles, Gaspari composed "Tonta" to ease tensions with his young audience. These two songs showcase his ability to transform life experiences into creative works.
Personal Life and Professional Activities
The son of the late Aliou and Penda Bobo Diallo, Gaspari is married and a father of two sons. Alongside his artistic career, he has pursued a teaching career as a government employee, having taught in several prefectures, including Kankan and Kindia, before settling in Conakry 3. Currently, he is a lecturer at the Ratoma Vocational Training Center (CFP/RATOMA), where he shares his expertise while awaiting his upcoming retirement.
Conclusion
Gaspari represents the portrait of a multifaceted artist who has successfully balanced an artistic career and technical education. Although his sole album "Décret" dates back to 2003, his repertoire of 89 compositions attests to his boundless creativity. As a member of the Guinean Copyright Office (BGDA), he continues to advocate for better recognition of artists' rights in Guinea while maintaining cordial relationships with peers like Mohamed Karifa, Labass, Rizo Bangoura, Malick Condé "Calveira", and Philippe Kourouma. His story reflects the challenges faced by Guinean artists, caught between creative passion and material constraints.
