Seydou Nourou Thiam is a Guinean artist born on October 14, 1950, in M'Bonet, in the Dinguiraye prefecture. Coming from a noble family — his father was a civil administrator and head of the Tamba canton — he has established himself as a unique figure in African music. A guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, he stands out for his rare ability to play the guitar while singing, a feat that made a sensation in Nigeria, where he became the first artist to perform this way on television.
His unconventional journey took him from Guinea to Mali, Nigeria — where he collaborated with Fela Kuti — and then to Europe, before returning home in 1982. His most famous album, "Kankan Yarabi", recorded in France, was so successful that it was reissued three times. Defining himself as "different," Seydou Nourou Thiam has developed a unique musical style that blends African traditions with international influences while maintaining a strong commitment to preserving and professionalizing Guinean music.
Introduction
Seydou Nourou Thiam, born on October 14, 1950, in M'Bonet, a small village in Dinguiraye, Guinea, is a prominent figure in Guinean music. A guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, he has distinguished himself through his unique style and innovative approach to African music. Coming from a noble family as the son of a former civil administrator and head of the Tamba canton, his artistic journey reflects a unique fusion of tradition and modernity.
Childhood and Education
Seydou Nourou Thiam began his schooling in Dinguiraye between 1956 and 1957. His academic journey took him through Mopti (Mali), Dinguiraye, and Mamou, where he reached the 11th grade before dropping out at the first baccalaureate level. It was in Mopti, under the influence of his maternal uncle — a civil servant and versatile artist — that he discovered the guitar in 1964, marking the beginning of his musical adventure.
Artistic Journey
Early Years and the African Adventure
In 1969, Thiam made his first stage appearance in Mamou, accompanied by his childhood friend Dramé. His true musical journey began in April 1971 when he arrived in Bamako. There, he joined the "Damels de Dakar" alongside two Senegalese musicians, embarking on a tour across West Africa.
The Nigerian Experience
One of the most significant moments of his career occurred when he met Fela Kuti in Nigeria in 1977. With his band "Africaunion" (later renamed ECOWAS BAND), he recorded his first album in Nigeria, the result of three years of hard work. This period was among the most productive phases of his career.
The European Experience
In 1979, after a brief return to Guinea, he traveled to Europe, particularly Germany. It was in France that he recorded his famous album "Kankan Yarabi", which achieved significant success in Guinea and was reissued three times.
Return to Guinea
In 1982, Thiam returned to Guinea permanently, taking advantage of the liberalization of private initiatives. He combined his musical career with agriculture, sometimes even using his crops to fund his musical projects.
Discography
Albums
- First Album (recorded in Nigeria)
- "Kankan Yarabi" (recorded in France)
- "Tèmè forè" (12 tracks, recorded in Liberia)
- "Hibernation" (10 tracks, recorded in Conakry in 2008)
- Acoustic Album (RKS, recorded at Novotel)
Ongoing Projects
- "Patrimoine classique de Guinée" (in preparation)
- Two unreleased albums awaiting release
Personal Life
Married and a father since the period between 1987 and 1989, Seydou Nourou Thiam continues to live in Conakry, in the Lambanyi neighborhood of the Ratoma commune. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to music while managing his agricultural activities.
Conclusion
Seydou Nourou Thiam remains a unique figure in the Guinean music scene, describing himself as "different." His unconventional journey, blending tradition and modernity, along with his ability to play the guitar while singing, makes him a pioneering artist. Even today, he continues to advocate for a more professionalized music sector in Guinea and the preservation of traditional instruments.
