Africa Djolé

• Genres: World

Biography

African ensemble established in 1977 by Guinean percussionist Yacouba Camara, who was then living in Holland. Camara, a superb, charismatic drummer, had left Guinea in the '60s, and traveled through West Africa and Europe before settling in Paris. Africa Djole made only two albums, excellent releases that more than fortified Camara's reputation. But he returned to Guinea after the second release, and in 1981 formed the superstar band Fatala that successfully framed the sound of balafon, kora and traditional African drums against a backdrop of twin electric guitars. Camara through both Djole and Fatala argued against the incursion of European and Western elements into African music, yet didn't allow his sound to stagnate in the process. ~ Ron Wynn, Rovi