Black Bear Moon Music and Cultural Project

Album Name: Sila Laka
Artist: Mamady Keita
Released: 2004
Running Time: 73 minutes

In 1988, Mamady Keita recorded his first album Wassolon with his then newly formed group Sewa Kan in Belgium. The album, which has since become a classic in the field of traditional music from Guinea, was devoted to the music of his region, Wassolon. Fifteen years (and many successful albums) later, Mamady had a vision of re-recording this classic album with a group of young musicians “with whom he could place all his trust.” The result: Sila Laka, which means “Open Road” in Malinké.

The album features a return to Mamady’s roots, with arrangements that move away from the fast-paced, highly choreographed ballet-style drumming he has become known for, and towards a simpler, “village-style” recording that is filled with a beautiful combination of traditional dunun (bass drum) arrangements, masterful djembe solo work, some gorgeous singing, balafon and more. To us, Mamady is at his best here, laying down some sweet solos over a rock-solid groove that shows the strengths of the musicians he chose for the project.

We highly recommend this album for anyone interested in the traditional music of West Africa, either as a starting point or for those already familiar with Malinké drumming.

Where to Buy

African Rhythm Traders
Drumskull Drums

Track Listing:

1. Kassa
2. Djabara
3. Fankani
4. Kuku
5. Komodenu
6. Djole
7. Soli (Lent-Rapide)
8. Soboninkun
9. Bandondjeli
10. Djagbe
11. Adondan
12. Tiriba