Moustapha Camara (Mousto)

Introduction

Mousto Camara, his real name is Moustapha Camara and in just a few years it has become a real phenomenon in the musical landscape of Guinea. Born on June 12, 1996 in Conakry, this young talented artist has conquered hearts and dancefloors across the country thanks to his unique blend of traditional Guinean rhythms and contemporary influences. Mousto Camara, nicknamed the "Women's Chouchou" because of its immense popularity among female audiences, has established itself as one of the most iconic voices of the new generation of Guinean music.

Éducation

Born in a modest family in the Gbessia neighborhood of Conakry, Mousto Camara did not grow up in an environment conducive to an artistic career. None of his parents were musicians or artists, and no one in his immediate environment predicted that he would one day become one of Guinea's most fashionable music stars.

Described as a rather shy and serious child, Mousto concentrated primarily on his studies, avoiding the bad attendance of his neighborhood known for his juvenile delinquency. It was in his teenage years that his passion for music was truly awakened, when he began to imitate the famous Guinean artists of the time.

After obtaining a high school diploma from the EMAK school in Gbessia, Mousto Camara enrolled for a few months at the Titi-Camara University in Conakry before joining the Guinean Institute of Arts in Dubreka in 2013. It was in this renowned institution that he was able to develop his theoretical knowledge in music and to train himself in the practice of various instruments, especially the guitar of which he specialized.

This solid academic background enabled him to deepen his passion, refine his unique musical style and lay the foundations for a professional career. The Institute of Arts in Dubreka played a decisive role in the journey of Mousto Camara, providing him with the tools to turn his dream into reality.

Début de carrière

Although from a modest environment and without direct connection to the world of music, the artistic flame burned in Mousto from his early age. From high school he participated in cultural competitions such as "Culturellement Vôtre" where he represented his school and imitated with talent the fashionable Guinean musical groups, such as the "Espoirs de Coronthie".

His performance on stage earned him an enthusiastic reception from the public from the outset, encouraging him to continue on that path. Once in high school, he continued to cultivate his passion by recording his first models as "Du Côté de Bembé", albeit with the modest means of a beginner.

It was really at the Institute of Arts that Mousto Camara could really devote himself to his music, benefiting from the adequate infrastructure to refine his art. He recorded new models, which met a great success among the audience, announcing the forthcoming emergence of a great talent.

Returning to Conakry after graduating, Mousto Camara made a decisive move with the recording of his first high-profile singles, "Sylla" and "Camara". The latter title, an ode to members of his homonymous family, attracted the attention of producer Yorouba Cissoko, younger brother of the late Mamady "Doudoudada" Cissako.

Yorouba Cissoko, seduced by the potential of this new artist, decided to take Mousto under his wing. They signed a collaboration contract, paving the way for the long-awaited recording of Mousto Camara's first studio album, entitled "Camara". Released on December 26, 2015, this 16-titled opus was a great success, driving Mousto to the forefront of the Guinea music scene.

Carrière musicale

Since the release of "Camara", Mousto's first album was a real phenomenon in Guinea. The unique blend of traditional Guinean rhythms such as Malian, Camayenne or Cabouret, merged with more current urban pop sounds, was a huge success among the general public.

The freshness of Mousto, his overflowing scenic energy and his sometimes tender and sometimes striking words quickly seduced the crowds, especially a female audience which quickly proved to be his main spearhead. It was also at this time that he was popularized with his now famous nickname of "Chouchou des femmes".

Now an indispensable artist of the Guinean musical landscape, Mousto Camara multiplied the concerts and appearances at the country's most renowned festivals such as the Conakry Festival. His electrifying live shows and his ability to get the crowd to dance on his thrilling hits earned him growing popularity year after year.

But the success of Mousto Camara soon settled on Guinea's borders. Raising enthusiasm beyond the borders of the country, the artist performed in many countries of the West African subregion such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire or Mali, where he met every time a huge popular success.

A true ambassador of Guinean culture at the international level, he took advantage of this growing visibility to release new albums that sold millions of copies, like the album "Mousto Camara Vol. 1" in 2018. His concerts became a must-see and his fans soon reached millions across West Africa.

This popular dedication was accompanied by numerous awards that came to commend the exceptional journey of this extraordinary artist. Mousto Camara won four Guinean Music Awards, two Galian Awards and a Kundé d'Or, among the most prestigious awards in the Guinean musical landscape.

Discographie

Albums studios

• Camara (2015)
• Mousto Camara Vol. 1 (2018)

Singles à succès

• Sylla (2015)
• Camara (2015)
• Mikhifanyi (2023)
• Namoun N'changema (2023)
• M'ma Bébé (2023)
• Wakili (2023)
• Ma raison de vivre (2023)
• Midho Hidouma (2021)
• Limaniya (2021)
• Sans Limit (2020)
• Toi et Moi (2020)
• Woulé (2020)
• L'essentiel (2020)
• Wanwanyi (2019)
• KPC (2018)

Featurings & Collaborations

Over the years, Mousto Camara has collaborated with many renowned Guinean artists, bringing his special touch to various projects. Among his most notable collaborations are:

• N'daïghou (2023) feat. Doura Yzzy
• Ma Lumière (2021) feat. Chamack Camara
• N'validekhi (2021) feat. Knadia Kora

Featuring remains an exercise that Mousto Camara loves, allowing him to explore new musical horizons while also radiating the guinean talents.

Tournées et Festivals

The growing popularity of Mousto Camara has naturally been accompanied by an agenda of tours and festivals of an international scale. A true stage beast, it is during his breathtaking live shows that the artist unfolds the full extent of his talent.

From his early successes, Mousto became one of the indispensable poster heads of major Guinea festivals such as the famous Conakry Festival. His unprecedented performances, where he constantly communicates with a trance audience, quickly make him one of the kings of the local scene.

His performances at the Arpalu Urban Music Festival, the RAMALU Festival and FEST'HIP will remain among the highlights of his career in Guinea, with anthology performances acclaimed by critics.

But it is well beyond the Guinean borders that Mousto Camara quickly extends its radiation. As of 2017, his "Lover Tour" tour made a real triumph in half a dozen countries in the West African subregion, from Senegal to Mali through Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso or Benin.

His concerts then triggered immense crowd movements, so the fans rushed to have the chance to attend the show of a true rising star. The popular enthusiasm is not disappointed during the 2019 and 2022 editions of her "Made in Guinea" tour, which are equally successful.

Very quickly courtesy of the main musical events of the continent, Mousto Camara performs on the stages of the most renowned festivals such as the prestigious Roskilde in Denmark, the Femua in France, the Strictly Roots in the Netherlands or the BUKU Music + Art Project in the United States.

Real dedications to the Guinean artist, now fully recognized as one of the ambassadors of African music around the world. His crazy energy and undeniable talent force respect and make him one of the rising values of contemporary world music.

Prix et Récompenses

In the course of his meteoric ascension, Mousto Camara has logically been plebiscited by numerous awards and distinctions to reward his immense talent and impact on the Guinea and African music scene.

A true reference of the music awards in Guinea, the Guinea Music Awards were generous to the artist, who raffled 4 in total:

• Best Male Artist in 2016 and 2019
• Album of the Year in 2016 for “Camara”
• Best Song of the Year in 2021 for “Limaniya”

Prix Galian, at these prestigious awards awarding the most prominent artists of the country, Mousto Camara has once again been honoured twice:

• Galian Prize for Best Male Voice in 2018
• Galian Prize for Best Artist of the Year in 2022

A true supreme award in the world of Guinean music, the Golden Kundé usually crowns the greatest artists. A distinction of prestige that Mousto Camara received in 2023 for his entire career and outstanding achievements.

Numerous other awards and nominations have come to praise the extraordinary journey of this icon of Guinean music, consecrated in just a few years as one of the most influential artists of its generation.

Vie Privée

In addition to his successful musical career, Mousto Camara has also been the subject of intense media attention regarding his private life, especially his animated love stories.

In 2020, the artist was engaged to stylist Nayel Rachid at a high-profile ceremony. But the two celebrities quickly broke up in a stormy climate and rumors of infidelity.

Subsequently, Mousto Camara has in fact maintained a very close relationship with his fellow and Guinean singer Tenin Diawara. A new couple that was dreaming but that ultimately didn't last.

It was finally on April 6, 2024, the day of his 28th birthday, that Mousto Camara announced that he was newly married at a traditional ceremony in Labé. In a post on social networks, he officially introduced his new wife, with whom he now seems to be filled.

Through these different episodes, Mousto Camara has undoubtedly become one of the most followed Guinean artists for his love phrases,ining a little more his image of a true idol of the crowd.

Conclusion

At only 28 years old, Mousto Camara has long established itself as one of the major musical phenomena in Guinea and throughout West Africa. With his unique funk style, manding rhythms and urban sounds, he developed a new and resolutely modern sound that earned him exponential popularity.

Much more than just a singer, Mousto Camara has in a few years become a true icon of the Guinean youth, an ambassador of its rich culture but also a symbol of free artistic expression. His overflowing energy, his unique scenic aura and his ability to federate crowds make him an indispensable artist.