Abraham Sonty, known by his stage name Koundou Waka, is an iconic figure in contemporary Guinean music. Born in Kindia, he discovered his passion for music during his childhood in the 1980s while attending a Quranic school, despite his parents' opposition. Nicknamed "the man with the magical foot" due to the disability he developed from polio, he transformed this challenge into a distinctive mark of his art. After forming the group Staff Kala Kouta in Conakry in 1990, he achieved recognition in 2001 with his debut album, which became the best-selling album of the year in Guinea.
His international career expanded through five award-winning albums, world tours, and prestigious collaborations. Beyond his musical career, Abraham Sonty has also distinguished himself through his social commitment, notably through his NGO Solidarité Internationale Koundouwaka, founded in 2010 to support people with disabilities. A passionate advocate of traditional Guinean culture, which he seeks to promote worldwide, he stands as a cultural ambassador while advocating for greater professionalism in Guinea's artistic community.
Introduction
Abraham Sonty, known by his stage name Koundou Waka, is one of the most iconic figures in contemporary Guinean music. Nicknamed "the man with the magical foot" or the "Guinean Michael Jackson," this talented artist has captured the hearts of millions in Guinea and beyond, despite his physical disability. With a career spanning over two decades, he has seamlessly blended artistic creation with social activism, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Guinean music scene.
Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
Born in Kindia, Abraham Sonty spent his childhood in the 1980s attending a Quranic school, where he discovered his musical talent. Despite his parents' opposition to his involvement in music, young Abraham remained determined to follow his passion. In 1990, he moved to Conakry, the capital city of Guinea, to pursue his dreams.
Opportunities in the bustling capital were more abundant, and it didn't take long for Abraham to be noticed. He formed the group Staff Kala Kouta, composed of 27 members, performing at baptisms, weddings, and traditional ceremonies. In 1995, a failed attempt to perform as an opening act for Salif Keita in Conakry only strengthened his resolve. This experience motivated him to record an eight-track demo, which eventually helped him find a sponsor to support his musical career.
Three years later, in 1998, he took a significant step by recording his first studio track in Abidjan and created the dance "Koundou Waka," which later became his stage name. Success followed swiftly; in 2001, his album became the best-selling record of the year in Guinea, and Abraham Sonty officially adopted the pseudonym Koundou Waka.
Flourishing International Career
Buoyed by his initial success, Abraham Sonty embarked on an international tour that took him to the United States and Europe. In 2003, he returned to Abidjan to record his second album, "Wamagakhoui", featuring ten tracks in a similar style to his debut. This new release enabled him to tour Europe once again, expanding his fan base.
Over the years, the artist released a series of successful albums: "Sagalata Birigoé", "Polossé", and "La haine de l'autre". His popularity grew steadily, making him the only Guinean artist whose five albums all received national or international awards. He earned multiple accolades for Best Singer, Best Album Sales, Best Choreography, Best Music Video, and Artist of the Year, solidifying his status as a legend of Guinean music.
In June 2021, he released the music video "Pompe à eau", an entertaining yet educational piece that raises awareness among young people about the dangers of aphrodisiac products. He described the project as "tradi-modern," reflecting his vision of blending Guinean tradition with modernity.
In 2024, Abraham Sonty launched an ambitious project titled "La conquête du monde" (The World Conquest), a three-year program to promote Guinean culture globally. The tour began in his hometown of Kindia, extending to Guinea's eight administrative regions, neighboring countries, Europe, and North America.
Strong Social Commitment
Beyond his musical career, Abraham Sonty is also known for his strong social commitment, particularly toward people living with disabilities. Having been disabled by polio himself, he founded the "Solidarité Internationale Koundouwaka" NGO in 2010 to support this vulnerable segment of the population.
In 2013, with the help of friends and the Hadja Djéné Kaba Foundation, his organization managed to secure 550 wheelchairs from the United States for distribution in Guinea—a donation valued at over three billion Guinean francs. In February 2022, he announced the relaunch of his NGO's activities, aiming to help people with disabilities rise out of begging and achieve greater social integration.
For Koundou Waka, "disability is neither a curse nor a fatality." Through his actions and his music, he advocates for polio vaccination and the social inclusion of people with disabilities.
Ambassador of Guinean Culture
In addition to his musical talent and social commitment, Abraham Sonty serves as an ambassador of Guinean culture. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he helped raise public awareness by releasing the song "C'est bel et bien réel" while providing support to those in need.
In February 2025, he made headlines by condemning Guinean artists who use their art to insult or denigrate others, reminding them that an artist should be "a reference and an example." He also called for greater freedom of expression in Guinea, arguing that "even with a prophet, if there is no opposition, he becomes a dictator."
Koundou Waka further advocates for a professional approach to music, criticizing so-called artists who do not rehearse or have a repertoire. For him, "an artist should practice like footballers who train daily."
A Lasting Musical Legacy
With a career spanning over two decades, Abraham Sonty has left an indelible mark on Guinean music. His unique style, blending traditional rhythms with modern sounds, his captivating choreography despite his disability, and his entertaining yet educational lyrics have made him a cultural icon in Guinea.
In May 2018, during a rural festival in N'Nzérékoré, his performance so impressed President Alpha Condé that he left his official box to personally greet the artist—a testament to the respect and influence Koundou Waka commands in his homeland.
Abraham Sonty remains devoted to his artistic vision: promoting Guinean cultural richness without succumbing to dominant musical trends like coupé-décalé or Afrobeat. As he puts it,
"I love Guinea too much. I want Guinea to be among the top three in Africa in the music industry, not by singing coupé-décalé or Afrobeat, but by exploring Guinean rhythms and sounds to surpass others. That is my fight."
Through his music, his social commitment, and his advocacy for Guinean culture, Abraham Sonty "Koundou Waka" embodies the resilience, talent, and generosity of the Guinean people. His inspiring journey, from Quranic schools to international stages, is a testament to the power of determination and passion—regardless of physical challenges.
