Fatala

Fatala are unique in modern African music as a band, formed in Paris in 1981 by master percussionist Yacouba Camara, recreating the roots of the music of Guinea.

Camara left Guinea in the 1960s, traveling through several African and European countries before ending up in Paris. He became established there as a pioneer African percussionist. Following years of hard work, introducing African percussion to the Western public, he gathered together a selection of the finest musicians and dancers of Guinea, West Africa. He named the group after the magnificent river ‘Fatala’ which flows through his birthplace Rio Pomgo in Guinea.

With his group Camara recalls the rhythms, songs and dances as they were performed before the independence of Guinea in 1958. In doing so Fatala reveal the soul of the nation with an incredibly rich and ancient musical culture. The original pulse of blues, jazz and pop music.

Fatala travelled widely, appearing at many festivals throughout Western Europe, including WOMAD Festival and the Festival d’Angoulèm in France.

Fatala also feature on Peter Gabriel’s Passion album and it’s accompanying release Passion Sources.

Fatala is comprised of:
Yacouba ‘ Bruno’ Camara: kongas, balafon, gongoma, harmonica and vocals
Arafan Touré: solo djembe
Aly Camara: djembe, bolon
Amara Soumah: doum-doum, gongoma
Naby ‘Papus’ Camara: guitar, small percussion
Kabine Camara: small percussion
Aboucar ‘Abuzo’ Camara: cow-bells, gongoma
Mabinty Sahko: vocal
Binnette Diallo: vocal
Tagar: small percussion