Manamba Kanté (born 1996 in Conakry) is a Guinean artist. Daughter of the famous griot and musician Mory Kanté, she bathed from an early age in a musical environment rich in Mandingue traditions. A talented griot, storyteller, composer and performer, Manamba perpetuates her family legacy by carrying high the colors of the music of her country. With her enchanting voice and her scenic charisma, she was able to forge a solid notoriety, blending brilliantly traditional sounds and modern influences.
Beyond her thriving artistic career, Manamba Kanté is also a woman who has thrived in her personal life. Married to singer Soul Bang's since 2016, she and him form an iconic couple often compared to Beyoncé and Jay-Z in Guinea. Mother of three children, Idrissa, Nalla and Morlaye Bangoura, Manamba manages to reconcile her multiple hats with grace and devotion. Her inspiring career is indeed a respected figure, ambassador of the rich Guinean culture on the international stage.
Introduction
Manamba Kanté, born in 1996 in Conakry, Guinea, is an outstanding singer-songwriter, storyteller, composer, performer and singer. Daughter of the famous artist Mory Kanté, she continued her family legacy by carrying high the colors of Mandingue music. With her enchanting voice and her innate talent, Manamba has found a way into the musical world, combining tradition and modernity with brilliance.
Education
From a family of fourteen children, Manamba grew up in an environment filled with music and traditions. From an early age, she has immersed herself in the universe of griots, learning from her mother, herself a renowned griot, the subtleties of this ancestral art. In addition to her musical education, Manamba continued to pursue postgraduate studies, obtaining a degree in business law from the University of Conakry.
Musical career
Manamba Kanté began singing very early, accompanying other musicians on stage from the age of 12. In 2012, she made her appearance on the Guinean television show "Toumboui", where she performed replicas of well-known songs. This early exhibition enabled her to forge a solid scenic experience and to make herself known to the general public.
In 2015, Manamba won the "Africa Stop Ebola" contest, organized by Valérie Malot and Tiken Jah Fakoly. This victory marked a turning point in her career and opened the doors to international recognition. Since then, she has been chaining performances on Conakry's stages, regularly accompanying other artists as a chorist.
After several singles, Manamba Kanté released her first solo album, "Nany Baly", in 2019 under her husband's label, Rnb Boss Musik. This 13-titel, recorded in Guinea, explores various themes such as love, the condition of poor children and the role of women in Africa. With renowned musical collaborations, including that of Soul Bang's, Manamba affirms her unique style, combining Mandingue tradition and modern sounds.
Discography
Albums
- 2019 : "Nany Baly" (Rnb Boss Musik)
Collaborations
- 2022 : "Le couple c'est nous" feat. Soul Bang's
- 2022 : "Bhouloundjouri"
- 2022 : "224 Syli" feat. Petit Kandia
- 2021 : "Yéké Yéké" feat. DJ Youcef, Soul Bang's
- 2021 : "Hors de la zone de couverture"
- 2021 : "Woussai Woussai"
- 2020 : "Le cri du silence" feat. Coumba Gawlo Seck, Alif Naaba, Serge Beynaud, Zeynab Habib, Mounira Mitchala, Fatoumata Diawara, Sidiki Diabaté, Daphnée, Binta Torodo et Mouna Mint Dendeni
Singles
- 2023 : "Badouba Den" (tribute to her father Mory Kanté)
- 2023 : "Madame Tranquille"
- 2023 : "Kè Douma Suma"
Awards and recognition
- 2015 : Winner of the “Africa Stop Ebola” competition led by Valérie Malot
- 2020 : Finalist of prix découvertes RFI
In 2020, Manamba Kanté was ranked among the ten finalists of the prestigious RFI Discovered Awards. This recognition was a major milestone in her career, giving her increased visibility to international audiences and the music industry.
Private life
It was at an event entitled "Young people have talent" at the Palais des Nations in Conakry that Manamba Kanté met for the first time her future husband, the singer Soul Bang's. Despite her initial reluctance to engage with an artist, fearing that her children might lack the paternal presence she had experienced with her own father, Manamba succumbed to the charm of Soul Bang's.
The couple joined in May 2016, sealing a professional and personal union. Their marriage sparked media interest in Guinea, where they are often compared to the famous American couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Manamba Kanté and Soul Bang's have three children: Idrissa, Nalla, and Morlaye Bangoura. Despite their musical success, the couple attached great importance to family life and the upbringing of their children in a stable and loving environment.
Conclusion
Manamba Kanté is an exceptional artist who magnificently embodies the Mandinga cultural heritage. With her captivating voice, her innate talent and her commitment to traditions, she has managed to secure a place of choice on the Guinean and international music scene. Supported by her husband Soul Bang's, Manamba continued her ascension, proudly carrying the colours of her culture while embracing modernity. Her journey inspires younger generations and testifies to the richness of African music.
