Petit Kandia, real name Sory Kandia Kouyaté (born 20 November 1985) is a Guinean singer and musician. Born in a family of renowned griots, he bathed from a young age in the rich Mandingue musical tradition. Although initially dreaming of a football career, his true passion for singing was revealed at the age of 10 when he first entered the stage.
With his powerful voice and unique style combining tradition and modernity, Petit Kandia has established itself as one of the most talented and popular figures of the new generation of Guinean music, conquering the hearts of local and African melomans.
Introduction
Petit Kandia, his real name Sory Kandia Kouyaté, is one of the most emblematic artists of the new generation of Guinean music. With his powerful voice and unique style combining tradition and modernity, he has conquered the hearts of Guinean and African melomans. Return to the exceptional journey of this rising star of Mandingue music.
Enfance et Éducation
Born on November 20, 1985 in Conakry, Petit Kandia grew up in a family of traditional griots. Son of Mamadou Benthè Kouyaté and Mafering Keita, music flows through his veins from a very young age. Although he initially dreamed of becoming a footballer, his true passion for singing was revealed at the age of 10 when he first came on stage alongside his brother and mother.
Despite his growing love for music, Petit Kandia continued his studies until the 10th grade, determined to reconcile his passion with his education.
Carrière Musicale
It was in 2006 that Petit Kandia really made its first steps in the music industry with the release of its first album "Touba". Therefore, his unique talent and exceptional voice attract the attention of the Guinean public. In 2006, he won the "Best Hope Djembé d'Or" award, confirming his new potential.
Three years later, in 2009, he released his second album, "Talibé", consolidating his place on the Guinea music scene.
The year 2012 marked a major turning point in Petit Kandia's career with the release of his third album "Ça fa fa dor". Appreciated by critics and the audience, he has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the title of "Best Guinean Artist Djembé d'Or" and the Best Guinean Artist Award.
With this success, Petit Kandia continued on its launch in 2016 with the release of his fourth album "Ntoma". This opus, rich in collaborations with artists such as Kandia Kora, Soul Bangs, Titi du Senegal and 2HR, definitively confirms his status as an indispensable artist of the African musical scene.
Discographie
Albums
- "Touba" (2006)
- "Talibé" (2009)
- "Ça fait mal" (2012)
- "Ntoma" (2016)
- "Du Bien" (2019)
Singles et Collaborations
Among his most popular singles is "N'kanou" featuring with Faty Kouyaté, whose video crossed the 9 million views on YouTube. Petit Kandia has also collaborated with renowned artists such as Kandia Kora, Soul Bangs, Titi of Senegal, 2HR and Kourouma.
Tournées
Petit Kandia has walked the roads of Guinea, performing in the main cities of the country for the greatest pleasure of his fans. His concerts in Conakry, at the Palais du Peuple, were marked moments of his career.
Beyond the borders of Guinea, Petit Kandia has also won the audience of the subregion with his tours in West Africa, including in Senegal, Mali and Côte d'Ivoire.
With his growing success, Petit Kandia also had the opportunity to perform on international scenes, in Europe, where he was warmly welcomed by the African diaspora.
Vie Privée
Little Kandia is a married man and father of a family. He married his first wife, Mariama Camara, with whom he had four children: Maferen (8 years), Zena (5 years), Abdoulaye (2 years) and a fourth boy born in August 2022.
In December 2018, Petit Kandia married a second wife, Djénè Kaba, a Guinea businesswoman from the diaspora living in France. Nine months after their marriage, the couple welcomed a little boy born in Paris.
Despite his success and touring, Petit Kandia remains a dedicated family man, dividing his time between his artistic career and his private life. He draws his inspiration from the family and traditional values that shaped his journey.
Conclusion
With its indisputable talent, unique voice and unique musical style, Petit Kandia has established itself as one of the most outstanding figures of the new generation of Guinean music. His exceptional career, full of record successes and prestigious awards, testifies to his dedication to his art and his ability to convey the cultural richness of his country through his music.
Today, Petit Kandia continues to enchant melomans around the world, perpetuating the musical heritage of Guinea while infusing its own modern and authentic touch. There is no doubt that this golden voice of Guinean music will still have many successes to celebrate in the years to come.
