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Super Biton de Segou
(Mali)
Biography
Super Biton de Segou was one of the great bands of Mali of the 1970s and 1980s.
The origin of the band can be found in the creation of modern orchestra's and traditional ensembles representing the various regions of
this vast country to compete during the Semaines Nationales, that would later become Biennales.
The modern orchestra that was set up in the historic city of Segou turned out to be quite successful during
the competitions. At the first Biennale in 1970 they won several prices as the Orchestre Régional de Segou.
The music of Super Biton is rhythmic and full of energy, as their music is inspired on bambara music rather than malinké griot music. Powerful singers such as Mamadou Percé Doumbia, Toussaint Siané and Papa Gaoussou Diarra (Papus), the guitar of Mama Sissoko and of course the horns of chef d'orchestre Amadou Bâ were the pillars below this strong band. Several albums were recorded and in 1986, an international tour brought them to Western Europe. By then, times had become difficult, financially, technically and artistically, and after the tour, chef d'orchestre Amadou Bâ left Super Biton. His departure would lead to a near-to-disintegration of Super Biton, with some members retiring from music, others seeking new adventures i.e. solo careers. For instance, singer Percé went to France and, although he made one or two solo albums, he does not seem active in the music business anymore.
Since 2008, however, Super Biton has reformed and this might be to some extent related to the yearly Festival sur le Niger, where they play every year as the closing act. Participating members are Mama Sissoko, Toussaint, Papus, Cubain and the oldest surviving member of the group Mamadou 'Coulou' Coulibaly, alongside newly recruited musicians.
The music of Super Biton is rhythmic and full of energy, as their music is inspired on bambara music rather than malinké griot music. Powerful singers such as Mamadou Percé Doumbia, Toussaint Siané and Papa Gaoussou Diarra (Papus), the guitar of Mama Sissoko and of course the horns of chef d'orchestre Amadou Bâ were the pillars below this strong band. Several albums were recorded and in 1986, an international tour brought them to Western Europe. By then, times had become difficult, financially, technically and artistically, and after the tour, chef d'orchestre Amadou Bâ left Super Biton. His departure would lead to a near-to-disintegration of Super Biton, with some members retiring from music, others seeking new adventures i.e. solo careers. For instance, singer Percé went to France and, although he made one or two solo albums, he does not seem active in the music business anymore.
Since 2008, however, Super Biton has reformed and this might be to some extent related to the yearly Festival sur le Niger, where they play every year as the closing act. Participating members are Mama Sissoko, Toussaint, Papus, Cubain and the oldest surviving member of the group Mamadou 'Coulou' Coulibaly, alongside newly recruited musicians.
Super Biton de Segou
• Super Biton:
Amadou Bâ trumpet and Chef d'orchestre (left in 1987)
Mamadou Doumbia 'Percé' lead vocal
Mama Sissoko guitar
Papa Gaoussou Diarra (Papus) lead vocals (died 25 January 2015)
Abou Touré alto sax
Toussaint Siané lead vocal
Aboubacar Kissa 'Cubain' (12 April 1952 - 12 April 2021) lead vocal
Mamadou 'Coulou' Coulibaly lead vocal
Mamadou 'Blick' Diarra saxophone
Dramane Diarra bass
Modibo Diarra 'Bebel' keyboards
Formed: in Segou
Style: Bambara music / afro jazz
Discography
Amadou Bâ trumpet and Chef d'orchestre (left in 1987)
Mamadou Doumbia 'Percé' lead vocal
Mama Sissoko guitar
Papa Gaoussou Diarra (Papus) lead vocals (died 25 January 2015)
Abou Touré alto sax
Toussaint Siané lead vocal
Aboubacar Kissa 'Cubain' (12 April 1952 - 12 April 2021) lead vocal
Mamadou 'Coulou' Coulibaly lead vocal
Mamadou 'Blick' Diarra saxophone
Dramane Diarra bass
Modibo Diarra 'Bebel' keyboards
Formed: in Segou
Style: Bambara music / afro jazz
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| Afro Jazz Folk Collection Vol. 2 | 2023 | Deviation Records / Mieruba- ML | Digital / CD / 2LP |
| Afro Jazz Folk Collection Vol. 1 | 2021 | Mieruba- ML | Digital / CD / 2LP |
| Anthology | 2013 | Kindred Spirits KSMALI 03 CD | CD / LP |
| Afro Jazz du Mali | 2006 | Bolibana 76013-2 | Reissue |
| Belle Epoque | 2000 | Sonodisc CDS 7072 | Compilation of older songs |
| Afro Jazz du Mali | 1986 | Bolibana 42013-2 | CD / LP |
| Balandzan | 1983 | Tangent LP 7008 | LP, Celluloid distribution |
| Nyangaran Foli | 1988 | Syllart 38766-1 | LP, reissue of KO/77.0414 |
| Taasi Doni | 1988 | Syllart 38749-1 | LP, reissue of KO/77.0413 |
| Le Super Biton National De Ségou | 1977 | Mali Kunkan KO/77.0414 | LP |
| Le Super Biton National De Ségou | 1977 | Mali Kunkan KO/77.0413 | LP |
| Albums as Orchestre Régional de Ségou: | |||
| Orchestre Régional de Ségou | 1970 | Bärenreiter-Musicaphon BM 30 L 2601 | LP; Subtitle: Les meilleurs souvenirs de la 1ere Biennale Artistique Et Culturelle De La Jeunesse |
| Solo albums Mamadou Doumbia: | |||
| Vol. 3 | Musiki | Cassette / Digital download | |
| Vol. 2: Timini | 1996 | Tropic Music | Cassette |
| Kelea Diougou | 1995 | Camara CK7 047 / CD 01 | |
| Solo albums Papa Gaoussou Diarra: | |||
| Koulegnine | 2000 | Camara Production | Digital release Musiki / Believe Digital |
| Bilassiraba - 52 | 1999? | Wanda Prod. | Digital release Musiki / Believe Digital |
| Solo albums Aboubacar Kissa: | |||
| Maliba | 199? | Oumar Kouba Production OKP 004 | Local cassette |
| Solo albums Mama Sissoko: | |||
| Mama Sissoko Live | 2024 | Mieruba MRB-ML 02-020 | Digital / CD / 2LP - Live 1998 |
| Soleil de minuit | 2000 | Buda | |
| Amours-Diarabi | 1997 | Buda/Bleu Caraibes CD 82940-2 | |
Sources
Wrldsrv Blogspot [external link]
www.malijet.com/actualite_musicale_malienne/8400-concert_au_centre_culturel_francais [external link]
Wrldsrv Blogspot [external link]
www.malijet.com/actualite_musicale_malienne/8400-concert_au_centre_culturel_francais [external link]
Page added June 1998 (revised May 2014)