Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique: Camayenne Sofa

Frank Bessem's
Musiques d'Afrique:

Camayenne Sofa
(Guinée)

Musiques d'Afrique
Musiques de Guinée

Camayenne Sofa was a 14-piece band originating from Sextet Camayenne. From the original members, Bossély Keita, Mamadou Camara "M.C.", and Salia Camara left for Kaloum Star. Drummer Papa Kouyaté left for Miriam Makeba's Quintet Guinéen, and singer Ange Miguel left for the Tambourinis.
Only Jean-Baptiste Williams remained, changing to solo guitar. François Koïvogui (on bass) became chef d'orchestre and Pierre Koïvogui drummer. The singers are Mamady Camara, Youssouf Bâ and Zézé. Camayenne Sofa was successful in the 1970s, especially with their icon song Were Were, referred to as the Guinean Guantanamera.
No information is available as to whether Les Sofas are still together as a group.

Formed: as Sextet Camayenne.
Style: mandingue music.

Discography:

Title	Year	Label	Remarks
Volume 2: Attaque	1999	Syllart 38219-2	Re-issue on CD
Volume 1: La Percée	1999	Syllart 38215-2	Re-issue on CD
Attaque	1970s	Syliphone SLP 60
A Grands Pas	1976	Syliphone SLP 56
La Percée	1976	Syliphone SLP 52