Biography
Emerging from the well-known Guinean ensemble Sextet Camayenne, Camayenne Sofa ruled the West African charts throughout the 1970s. Among their numerous successes was the number-one single "Were Were." Repeated lineup shifts continually tested the band. Founding members Bossély Keita, Mamadou Camara, and Salia Camara departed to establish Kaloum Star, while drummer Papa Kouyate was enlisted by Miriam Makeba's Quintet Guineen and vocalist Ange Miguel later joined Tambourinis. Camayenne Sofa remains active under Jean-Baptiste Williams, the only original founder still involved. Bass player Francois Koivoqui now serves as "orchestra chief," and the vocalists are Mamady Camara, Youssouf Ba, and Zeze.
Albums
