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Sorry Bamba
(Mali)
Biography
Sorry (or Sory) Bamba was born (and grew up) in Mopti, the regional centre
in the inner delta of the Niger in the central part of Mali. Mopti is a commercial centre
on the crossroads between the Niger valley where peul (Fulani) herdsmen and Bozo fishermen are living, but
also close to the Dogon region. The Dogon have their distinct culture and beliefs, so different from
those of their neighbours.
Born from Dioula and Peul (Fulani) parents, Sorry became orphan at young age. In multi-cultural Mopti, he learned to respect the various cultures living in the Mopti region, and he was enchanted by music soon.
In 1957, Sorry Bamba created his first band, Groupe Goumbé, named after the latest dance from Ivory Coast. After Mali's independence, the band evolved into Le Bani Jazz and already started modernising Malian music. Soon, Sorry Bamba was asked to lead the newly state created Orchestre Régionale de Mopti, with which he developed themes derived from the traditional music of the various ethnic groups of Mopti, the peul, songhai, bambara and the dogon. The group participated in national song contests at the Biennales, toured in West African neighbouring countries and in 1965, Sorry released a first single (45rpm). In Abidjan, he would release a few 45rpm's with Guinean guitarist Kanté Manfila. Years later, Sorry renamed the group into Le Kanaga, named after the famous Dogon mask. They won the award of Best Orchestra twice, and earned as a result the title of national orchestra.
His 1987 solo album « Le Tonnerre Dogon » is considered emblemic for his contribution to modern Malian music and his search for innovation.
Born: 1938, in Mopti
Birth name: Bourama Bamba
Died: 23 July 2022, funeral in Mopti
Style: mandingo music, modernised dogon music
Born from Dioula and Peul (Fulani) parents, Sorry became orphan at young age. In multi-cultural Mopti, he learned to respect the various cultures living in the Mopti region, and he was enchanted by music soon.
In 1957, Sorry Bamba created his first band, Groupe Goumbé, named after the latest dance from Ivory Coast. After Mali's independence, the band evolved into Le Bani Jazz and already started modernising Malian music. Soon, Sorry Bamba was asked to lead the newly state created Orchestre Régionale de Mopti, with which he developed themes derived from the traditional music of the various ethnic groups of Mopti, the peul, songhai, bambara and the dogon. The group participated in national song contests at the Biennales, toured in West African neighbouring countries and in 1965, Sorry released a first single (45rpm). In Abidjan, he would release a few 45rpm's with Guinean guitarist Kanté Manfila. Years later, Sorry renamed the group into Le Kanaga, named after the famous Dogon mask. They won the award of Best Orchestra twice, and earned as a result the title of national orchestra.
His 1987 solo album « Le Tonnerre Dogon » is considered emblemic for his contribution to modern Malian music and his search for innovation.
Born: 1938, in Mopti
Birth name: Bourama Bamba
Died: 23 July 2022, funeral in Mopti
Style: mandingo music, modernised dogon music
Sorry Bamba
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| Volume One (1970-1979) | 2011 | Thrill Jockey Records THRILL272 | Compilation |
| Dogon Blues | 2010 | Universal / Emarcy | |
| Kante Manfila & Sorry Bamba - Clash Mandingue | 2008 | Oriki Music ORK004 | Compilation |
| Hamdallaye | 1995 | Sonodisc CDS 6844 | |
| Sigui | 1989 | Cobalt 760195 | |
| Le Tonnerre Dogon | 1987 | Bolibana BP 15 | LP |
| S.P. présente Sory Bamba Du Mali | 1982 | Sacko Production SP 003 | LP |
| Sory Bamba Du Mali / Mayel | 1978 | Sonafric SAF 50097 | LP / repress: Africa Seven ASVN035 (2016) |
| Sorry Bamba Du Mali / Yayoroba | 1977 | Songhoi SON8206 | LP / repress: Africa Seven ASVN045 (2017) |
| Sorry Bamba du Mali / Faux Galant | 1976 | Songhoi SON8203 | LP / repress: Songhoi (2018) |
| Orchestre Le Kanaga: | |||
| L'orchestre Kanaga de Mopti | 2011 | Kindred Spirits KS-Mali-01CD | Reissue of the 1977 album |
| L'orchestre Kanaga de Mopti | 1977 | Mali Kunkan KO 77.04.15 | LP |
| Orchestre Régionale de Mopti: | |||
| Les meilleurs souvenirs de la 1ère Biennale (1970) | 1970 | Bärenreiter-Musicaphon BM 30 L 2602 | LP |
Sources
Liner notes album 'Le Tonnerre Dogon'
Liner notes album 'Le Tonnerre Dogon'
Page added October 2002