Biography Daby Touré, artisan shoemaker from Mali settled in Ziguinchor in Casamance and founded a large family. The Touré brothers, Amadou, Ismaïla, Sixu, Ousmane and Hamidou are the descendants of this patriarch.

From a very young age, during religious ceremonies, the Touré sing in Mandingo, Diola and Wolof the traditional songs played on the kora and the sabars. In 1977, Ismaïla and Sixu formed the Touré Kunda group (which means elephant family in Mandinke).

In 1979, they recorded their first album “Mandinka Dong“.

In 1980, the album “E'mma Africa“ with reggae and “Touré Kunda” sounds was released in 1982. These two albums, both acoustic, electric and traditional, popularized the Touré Kunda which became the precursors of world music. . “Santhiaba“ their new opus released in May 2008 is inspired by the leaf dance, the “Diamba dong“.

"We had fun traveling the rhythms of the world, from morna to cha cha cha through reggae and tango" they declare. Santhiaba indicates the district where they were born and where they grew up, lulled by the diversity of tones at the origin of their musical influences.

Considered as pioneers of African music in France at the end of the 1970s, The Touré Kunda brothers are simply one of the key and essential groups of this new multicultural France which radiates today far beyond music: The mythical group Touré Kunda is back, for his 40 years of career, with a new album "Lambi Golo".

Text updated on May 17, 2018 © Audran Sarzier (photos artistes) ​