Home Home
Green bar
THE TOURÉ KUNDA DISCOGRAPHY
HOME
About This Site | The Story | Image Gallery | The Discography | Links
Clear
About This Site
What's Here | What's New | Recent Updates


Touré Kunda: Santhiaba
 What's Here

The Touré Kunda Discography is a comprehensive reference for the recorded music of Senegalese group Touré Kunda. It also covers related performers Séta Touré, Ousmane Touré, Daby Touré (including Touré Touré), and Mamadou Touré (featuring Melokaan). Additions and corrections are welcome - email me.


What's New

April 2008 - Daby Touré re-releases second album Stereo Spirit (2007) with new bonus track. See Daby Touré / Touré Touré.

April 2008 - Wagram to re-release four Touré Kunda albums in May or June: Amadou Tilo (1983), Casamance Au Clair De Lune (1984), Natalia (1985), and Sili Beto (1992). This will be the first-ever reissue for Sili Beto, which has long been out of print.

April 2008 - Touré Kunda releases MP3 single "Lely Djamyo" from the forthcoming new album Santhiaba. See Singles.

April 2008 - Touré Kunda's new album Santhiaba set for release on May 19 (date revised); RFI Musique offers free MP3 track. See Studio & Live Albums.

September 2007 - Touré Kunda announces the planned release of their new album Santhiaba for January 2008.

June 2007 - Melokaan releases demo album African Jazz Blues for the Africa Oyé Festival. See Mamadou Touré.


Recent Updates

May:
- Studio & Live Albums: Added Nité and Le Joola from the former "Cassette-Only Releases" page, added Greece LP release of Natalia.
- Singles: Added new MP3 single "Lely Djamyo".
- Compilations: Added Inédits Vol 1 and Inédits Vol 2 from the former "Cassette-Only Releases" page, added MP3 compilation Best Of 2006.
- Cassette-Only Releases: Deleted page.
- Videos & Soundtracks: Split into new pages Music Videos & Concert Films and Film & Other Soundtracks.
- Other Releases: Added new page, added titles with non-album tracks from "Various Artists Compilations" page.
- Various Artists Compilations: Removed titles with non-album tracks.
- Unauthorized Audio: Added new page, added Santana album 2 Supernatural Evenings With Carlos".
- Daby Touré: Added Touré Touré album of previously unreleased material, added 2008 US re-release of Stereo Spirit with bonus track, added 2006 guest appearance on the Wise album Metrophone.
- Mamadou Touré (previously "Melokaan"): Re-named page, updated "About This Listing" section, added MySpace links.

April - Studio & Live Albums: Added information about upcoming release of Santhiaba. Daby Touré / Touré Touré: Added soundtrack for Cho Wa Dada?, added link for Daby Touré's MySpace page.

March - Home: Added link for Touré Kunda's MySpace page.
Clear
The Story
The Early Years | The Celluloid Years | The Trema Years | The Present


Touré Kunda: Live Paris-Ziguinchor
 The Early Years

Touré Kunda was originally formed in 1979 by the brothers Amadou Touré (born 1943), Ismaila Touré (born 1950), and Sixu Tidiane Touré (born 1950). Ousmane Touré (born 1955) joined the group a few years later. They were born to Soninké parents in the Casamance region of Senegal. The name Touré Kunda translates literally from the Soninké language as "elephant family". Their parents were Daby Touré (1875-1956), and his wives Mafili (Sixu Tidiane), Masse (Amadou Seckou and Ismaila), and Dionfolo (Ousmane).

The Touré brothers developed local renown as a singing and percussion group, playing music based on traditional Senegalese rhythms known as Djabadong. In the late 1970s, the three brothers moved to Paris and began experimenting musically. The basis of their music remained traditional African rhythms, enhanced with the incorporation of reggae and other influences. Acoustic performances centered on vocals, kora, balafon, and percussion, evolved over time to include electric instruments and synthesizers. The brothers expanded the group to include several musicians from France and elsewhere.


The Celluloid Years: 1980 - 1987

Touré Kunda released their first album in 1980, É'mma Africa, which included their signature hit "É'mma". This album initiated the band's relationship with the Celluloid label, which was to last until about 1987. A second release soon followed, Touré Kunda (1981), and the group performed regularly around Paris to support these albums. Tragically, Amadou collapsed on stage and subsequently died in January 1983. Touré Kunda carried on, though, bringing in brother Ousmane Touré (born 1955) and paying tribute to their former bandleader with their third album, Amadou Tilo (1983).

In 1984, the group successfully toured West Africa, including Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, and home country Senegal. Upon return, they recorded their fourth album Casamance Au Clair De Lune (1984). A film from the tour was shown on French television, leading to tours of France and the UK as well as the live double album, Live Paris-Ziguinchor (1984). In December, they joined Manu Dibango and several other African performers to record "Tam-Tam Pour L'Éthiopie", a famine relief benefit. The band's reputation rapidly grew to encompass an international audience.

Touré Kunda soon followed this remarkable success with their fifth album, Natalia (1985). With producer Bill Laswell at the helm and several major performers sitting in, the band incorporated a fully modern sound including synthesizers.


The Trema Years: 1987 - 1993

The Touré brothers left Celluloid to sign with Trema Music in France. The first album with Trema, Toubab Bi (1987), was also released on Celluloid the following year as Karadindi. With Trema in the early 1990s, Touré Kunda recorded two new albums, Salam (1990) and Sili Béto (1993), and a second live set, Sounké (1991). Although these were fine and critically acclaimed albums, the label released them only in France and provided little support.

Several members of the band moved on to form Kaoma, which soon found success with their major international hit "La Lambada" (1989).

A fifth Touré brother, Hamidou, joined the group for Salam and Sounké, though he and Ousmane both left before Sili Béto. Hamidou later released a successful solo album as Séta Touré, titled simply Africa (1994) and later as L'Album (1996).


The Present

Touré Kunda, once again based on the original duo of Ismaila and Sixu Tidiane, signed with WEA and regained international exposure with the stunning Mouslaď in late 1996.

In 1999, the group initiated a flurry of high profile activities with the release of Légende, a set of newly recorded versions of songs from earlier albums, including several from the Trema years. That same year, Santana released the runaway hit album Supernatural, which includes "Africa Bamba", an outstanding cover of Touré Kunda's "Guerrilla" from Salam (1990). They followed up soon after with Terra Saabi (2000), their first set of new material in four years. Tracks include a cover of the Phil Collins hit "In The Air Tonight" called "Nobel", and a re-make of the group's own song "Cindy". In 2001, the Touré brothers somehow found time to contribute guest appearances to new releases by Macaco and Alpha Blondy. They also launched the official Web site (www.toure-kunda.com) in April 2001.

Omar and Daby Touré, cousins from the next generation, formed the group Touré Touré. Their debut album, Laddé (1999), found international success and yielded the hit "Yorro".

Séta Touré continued his solo success with Douna (2000), and Ousmane Touré contributed a guest appearance to Tania Libertad's Costa Negra (2002).

--- Stephen Smith, from The Touré Kunda Discography (http://user.va.net/~smith/toure/index.htm)
Clear
Image Gallery


Touré Kunda at Tabarka World Music Festival


 Image Gallery 2000 - Present

Image Gallery 1990 - 1999

Image Gallery 1980 - 1989
Clear
The Discography
Touré Kunda titles: Studio & Live Albums | Singles | Compilations

Other titles: Videos | Films | Other Releases | VA Compilations | Guest Appearances | Related | Books | Unauthorized Audio

Outside Touré projects: Ousmane Touré | Séta Touré | Daby Touré / Touré Touré | Mamadou Touré


Touré Kunda: Santhiaba
 Studio & Live Albums - Full details

Touré Kunda: Santhiaba (Scheduled to be released 5/20/2008)
Touré Kunda: Nité - Humanisme (1/2005) *
Touré Kunda: Le Joola, Liaison Ziguinchor-Dakar (10/1/2003) *
Touré Kunda: Terra Saabi (5/23/2000)
Touré Kunda: Légende (3/1999)
Touré Kunda: Mouslaď (12/31/1996)
Touré Kunda: Sili Béto (1992)
Touré Kunda: Sounké - En Concert (1991)
Touré Kunda: Salam (1990)
Touré Kunda: Toubab Bi (1986), Karadindi (1988), Okunaya (1997)
Touré Kunda: Natalia (1985)
Touré Kunda: Live Paris-Ziguinchor (1984)
Touré Kunda: Casamance Au Clair De Lune (1984)
Touré Kunda: Amadou Tilo (1983)
Touré Kunda: Touré Kunda (1982)
Touré Kunda: É'mma Africa (1980), Les Frčres Griots (1980)
Ismaďl & Sixu Touré: Mandinka Dong (1979)

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.



Touré Kunda: Lely Djamyo
 Singles - Full details

Touré Kunda: "Lely Djamyo" (4/2008)
Touré Kunda: "SDF Homeless" (4/2001) *
Touré Kunda: "Rapada" / "Nobel" (2000)
Touré Kunda: "Wadini" / "Koutourou" (1999)
Touré Kunda: "Ema Ema" (1999)
Touré Kunda: "Coladera" / "Fondinké" (1996)
Touré Kunda: "Cindy" (1996)
Touré Kunda: "Casalé" / "Téria" (1993)
Touré Kunda: "Casalé" (1993) *
Touré Kunda: "Fatou Yo" (1992)
Touré Kunda: "N'Doungou" (1991) *
Touré Kunda: "Dom" (1991) *
Touré Kunda: "Guerrilla" / "Ndoungou" (1990)
Touré Kunda: "Salam" / "Ndoungou" (1990) *
Touré Kunda: "Karadindi" / "Toubab Bi" (1987)
Touré Kunda: "Wadini" / "Mamadiyo" (1986)
Touré Kunda: "Touré Kunda" / "Natalia" (1985)
Touré Kunda: "Touré Kunda" / "Babacady" (1985)
Touré Kunda: "É'mma" / "Ne Nam 1" (1984) *
Touré Kunda: "Labrador" / "Utamada" (1983)
Touré Kunda: "Salaly Muhamed" / "Martyrs" (1982) *
Touré Kunda: "É'mma" / "Africa" (1980)

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.



Touré Kunda: Best Of 2006
 Compilations - Full details

Touré Kunda: Best Of 2006 (11/20/2006)
Various: Giants Of Afro-Pop (12/15/2005)
Touré Kunda: Inédits Vol 2 (2002) *
Touré Kunda: Inédits Vol 1 (2002) *
Touré Kunda: Suave - Le World... Afrique: Touré Kunda (9/28/2001), World... Africa (8/9/2004)
Touré Kunda: The Best Of Touré Kunda (10/14/1998)
Touré Kunda: Putumayo Presents The Touré Kunda Collection (3/19/1996)
Touré Kunda: Dance Of The Leaves: The Celluloid Recordings (1983-1987) (9/16/1994)
Touré Kunda: Best Of Touré Kunda (1987) *
Touré Kunda: 1983 / 1984 (1986)
Touré Kunda: 1981 / 1982 (1986)

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.



Various: Travel The World With Putumayo
 Music Videos & Concert Films - Full details

Various: Travel The World With Putumayo (6/8/2004) *
Various: SOS Planet Earth (6/30/2003) *
Touré Kunda: "Rapada" (2000)
Touré Kunda: "Cindy" (1996)
Touré Kunda: "Casalé" (1993)
Touré Kunda: Jazz Ŕ Antibes (1990)
Various: DOC Anthology 7 (1989) *
Touré Kunda: "Labrador" (1984)
Touré Kunda concert film (title unknown) (1984)

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.



La Musique Africaine - Timbélélé Et La Reine Lune
 Film & Other Soundtracks - Full details

Binta Y La Gran Idea (Binta And The Great Idea) (10/2004)
La Musique Africaine - Timbélélé Et La Reine Lune (9/15/2003) *
Tarubi L'Arabe Strait 2 (2001) *
De L'Autre Côté Du Périph (The Other Side Of The Tracks) (12/1997)
Lumičre Noire (Black Light) (1994)
Robinson & Compagnie (1991) *
In The Blood (1990)
L'Oeil Au Beurre Noir (1987) *
The Africans (1986)

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.



Various: French Essentials IV
 Other Releases - Full details

This section covers various artists compilations with Touré Kunda tracks that are not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.

Various: French Essentials IV (11/28/2006) *
Various: Stars Of Afro-Pop (10/1/2001) *
Various: 10. Internationales Open Air Festival St. Gallen (1986) *
Various: Tropic Tonic No. 2 (1986) *
Various: New Africa (1985) (UK) *
Various: New Africa (1985) *

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Kunda studio or live albums.



Various: World Hits
 Various Artists Compilations - Full details

This section covers various artists compilations with Touré Kunda tracks from Touré Kunda studio or live albums.

(See details for listing)



Santana: All That I Am
 Guest Appearances - Full details

Santana: All That I Am (11/1/2005)
Tatouages: Kasaď (11/10/2003)
Simentera: Tr'adictional (6/30/2003)
Various: "Attac Ta Dette - Afrique, Ne Paie Pas!" (1/21/2003)
Macaco: Rumbo Submarino (11/16/2001)
Alpha Blondy: Paris Bercy (6/12/2001)
Various: "Casse Pas Ta Vie" (1995)
Manu Dibango: Wakafrika (4/5/1994)
Enrico Macias: Ŕ Suzy (1994)
Various: "Allez Les Lions" (1994)
Rossana Casale: Lo Stato Naturale (1991)
Didier Lockwood: 1 2 3 4 (1987)
Nabou: "Bamboula" / "Adouna" (1987)
Nicoletta: "L'Ange Du Hasard" / "Namatanga" (1986)
Various: "Starvation", "Haunted" / "Tam-Tam Pour L'Éthiopie" (1985)
Elli Et Jacno: Les Nuits De La Pleine Lune (1984)
Mico Nissim: Dunya (1982)
Mekongo Pres' With Belinga Ben's: Azengue (1980)



Leyona: SunRoad
 Covers & Samples & Related - Full details

Leyona: SunRoad (9/10/2003)
Various: Turntables On The Hudson 4 (6/3/2003)
Santana: Supernatural (6/15/1999)
Sam Mangwana: Galo Negro (5/19/1998)
Stanley Jordan: Bolero (2/15/1994)
Kaoma: World Beat (12/1989)
West African Cosmos: West African Cosmos (1976)



Frank Tenaille: Touré Kunda
 Books - Full details

Frank Tenaille: Touré Kunda (6/1987)
Touré Kunda: Natalia Songbook (1986)
Nathalie Steinberg and Elisabeth Desouches: Touré Kunda (10/1985)



Santan: 2 Supernatural Evenings With Carlos
 Unauthorized Audio - Full details

Santana: 2 Supernatural Evenings With Carlos (2000)



Ousmane Touré: Avenue Du Monde
 Ousmane Touré - Full details

Studio & Live Albums:
Ousmane Touré: Avenue Du Monde (2/21/2005)
Ousmane Touré: Lolo (Version Acoustic) (2000)

Singles:
Ousmane Touré: "Avenue Du Monde" (10/9/2006)
Ousmane Touré: "Mandou" (2005)
Ousmane Touré: "Sembo" (11/2004)

Various Artists Compilations:
Various: Tango Around The World (11/6/2007)

Guest Appearances:
Tania Libertad: Costa Negra (2/19/2002)
Varous: Gloire Des Stars / Allez, Allez!!! (2002)
Ismaël Lo: Iso (8/8/1994)



Séta Touré: Douna
 Séta Touré - Full details

Studio & Live Albums:
Séta Touré: Douna (2000)
Séta Touré: Africa (1994), L'Album (6/1996)

Singles:
Séta Touré: "Soma" / "Diamma" (1999)
Séta Touré: "Yakhareke" / "Sah" (1996)
Séta Touré: "Naye" / "Kaira" (1994)

Various Artists Compilations:
Various: Planet Africa 2... (6/11/1996), Plančte Afrique 2... (1996)



Daby Touré: Stereo Spirit
 Daby Touré / Touré Touré - Full details

Studio & Live Albums:
Daby Touré: Stereo Spirit (2/12/2007)
Touré Touré: Touré Touré (7/28/2006)
Daby Touré: Diam (7/12/2004)
Touré Touré: Laddé (3/1999)

Singles:
Daby Touré: "Mansa" (Live) (4/15/2006) *
Daby Touré: "Wolumala" (2/25/2005) *
Daby Touré: "Iris" (2005)
Daby Touré: "Kia A So" (12/16/2004) *

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Touré or Daby Touré studio albums.

Music Videos & Concert Films:
Various: Real World Records DVD (2004)

Film & Other Soundtracks:
Cho Wa Dada? (2000)

Other Releases:
Various: Ze Film (2/28/2005) *

* Includes material not otherwise released on Touré Touré or Daby Touré studio albums.

Various Artists Compilations:
Various: BBC Radio 3 Awards For World Music 2006 (4/3/2006)
Various: Mega Africa (7/10/2000)
Various: Tinder Records World And Latin Music Sampler (2000)

Guest Appearances:
Wise: Metrophone (10/10/2006)
Paul Pi: "Je Ne Fais Rien" (Live) (5/8/2006)
Paul Pi: "Je Ne Fais Rien" / "E,2L,e" (5/1/2006)
Peter Gabriel: Still Growing Up - Live & Unwrapped (11/22/2005)
Souad Massi: Honeysuckle (Mesk Elil) (10/31/2005)
Diogal: Liir (3/30/2004)
Serah: Late Harvest (5/30/2002)
Diogal: Samba Alla (1/22/2002)
Paco Sery: Voyages (9/29/2000)
Serah: Wing Of Mercy (1/12/2000)
Séta Touré: Douna (2000)
Jean-Pierre Como: Empreinte (6/7/1999)
Alma Rosa: Latin Soul (2/23/1999)
Serah: Senegal Moon (8/12/1997)



Melokaan: African Jazz Blues
 Mamadou Touré - Full details

Studio & Live Albums:
Melokaan: African Jazz Blues (6/2007)
Melokaan: Demo (2005)

Guest Appearances:
Various: Unisida Senegal (4/25/2005)


Clear
Links
About Touré Kunda | Related Musicians | Labels & Vendors | General Resources | Webrings


Touré Kunda: É'mma
 About Touré Kunda

Touré Kunda (Official Site)
Touré Kunda (MySpace)
Kassoumay (French)
African Music Encyclopedia - biography
Afromix Music - discography (multilingual)
Marivin - biography (French)


Labels & Vendors

Ausfahrt (German)
Mélodie Distribution
Putumayo Records
Qualiton Imports - US distributor for Movie Play Gold
Shanachie Records


General Resources

Africa Online
African Music Encyclopedia
Afromix (multilingual) - see especially the "African Panorama" article (French)
BMI Repertoire Song Title Database (search for each Touré brother)
Natari
Rootsworld African Music Reviews
Technobeat Archives - music reviews


Webrings



African Music Webring Logo Image Next Site Image
Previous Site Image
- this African Music Webring site owned by Stephen Smith -
back 2 | back | random | next5 | all | join | forward | forward 2


Clear
Red bar
Free Website Counter
Free Hit Counter
Site created December 1998. Page last updated May 2008.
Copyright © 1998-2008 by Stephen Smith. All rights reserved.
Green bar