Djeli Moussa Condé (born March 23, 1963) is a Guinean artist. From a family of griots, he was able to brilliantly combine the musical traditions of his native country with modern influences.
Mastering kora, guitar and singing, this composer has collaborated with major names of African and international music such as Manu Dibango, Salif Keita, Richard Bona and Cesária Évora.
Nominated the "Griot de Ménilmontant", his favorite neighborhood in Paris, Djeli Moussa Condé released in 2012 his first solo album of the same name, offering a unique universe blending tribal sound, pop and electro, the fruit of a journey rich in musical adventures and artistic encounters.
Introduction
Djeli Moussa Condé (born March 23, 1963 in Conakry, Guinea) is a Guinean singer and guitarist.
Known as the "Griot de Ménilmontant", he draws his roots from a family of griots and was able to skillfully combine the musical traditions of his country with modern influences.
His rich journey of collaborations and musical adventures has made him a unique artist at the intersection of cultures.
Éducation
From an early age, Condé was introduced to the art of singing and kora by Master Lamine Sissoko for four years.
He was awarded the diploma of participation at the first West African Kora Festival in Conakry, awarded by UNESCO. His talent as a composer emerged rapidly, prompting him to embark on an adventure across West Africa.
Career
After travelling to Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Abidjan, Condé was spotted by Souleymane Koly and became the composer-songwriter of the ensemble Kotéba d'Abidjan from 1989 to 1993.
He participated in numerous international tours and composed four tracks for the Mandinga Opera "Waramba", awarded at the Festival of Avignon in 1993.
Collaboration
Coming to Paris in 1993, Condé collaborated with major names of African and international music, such as Manu Dibango, Salif Keïta, Richard Bona, Mory Kanté, Alpha Blondy, Cesária Évora, Hank Jones, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Sekouba Bambino, Mangala, Amy Koïta and Janice DeRosa.
He recorded their albums and accompanied them on tour, sharing his kora and powerful voice.
Album
In 2010, Condé met Vincent Lassalle who produced and directed his first solo album "Djeli", recorded in his neighborhood of Ménilmontant.
This opus offers a unique universe, mixing tribal influences and modern sounds, echoing pop and electro. Released in March 2012, the album was followed by a tour of 50 concerts in the same year.
Conclusion
Djeli Moussa Condé is an exceptional artist, who has been able to weave links between Guinean musical traditions and contemporary influences.
Thanks to his talent and numerous collaborations, he has created a unique universe, at the intersection of cultures, reaching an international audience.
His first solo album "Djeli" testifies to her rich journey and her ability to renew herself without renouncing her roots.
