The Kanté name is highly regarded in the West African music scene. Daughter of the late singer and kora player Mory Kanté, who died in 2020, the fabulously talented Manamba Kanté descends from a distinguished line of griots and, like her father before her, will be performing at Festival International Nuits d’Afrique!
Among her many siblings, Manamba, whose textured vocals convey all the cultural richness of her country, began to follow in the footsteps of her famous griot father and her mother, Nala Camara, by the age of 12. In 2012, she broke through to the small screen, singing in a TV show called Toumboui. One concert followed another. Right from her debut album, Nany Baly, released in 2019, the Diva Kanté made a powerful impression as she proudly expressed herself in her native Pular language, which immediately placed her among the country’s most respected artists. Her courage and perseverance led to a string of world tours. These qualities, clearly reflected by this artist, inspire the women of Guinea and West Africa in their quest for freedom. It’s in Manamba’s very nature to be a positive influence. And she manages this beautifully with Les Divas de Guinée, which brings together some of Guinea’s best-loved female singers. This collective joined forces at the end of 2024 to create a powerful anthem, “La Guinéenne.” Their message? Keep the faith and tackle any problem head on without giving in.
She may well sing “Madame Tranquille,” but in all her glittering finery, she’s one hell of a glamorous performer! Clear-eyed and sensitive to the world around her, Manamba is like an antidote to the evil tongues that spew venom. She calls out the jealousy and envy directed her way and invites us to do the same. Both performing this year at Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, she and her life partner, Guinean soul artist Soul Bang’s, are like a dream couple, who see in their beloved Guinea a place full of colour and the promise of happiness. This shines through in their song “La Guinée,” done in collaboration with renowned guitarist Sekou Bembeya. From Conakry to Montreal, for one night only!!