Guinean music stars died before age 40
Here are 2 famous musicians from Guinea died before 40:
Mohamed Sylla
Mohamed Sylla (February 22, 1971 Conakry-June 9, 2010) was a Guinean personality.
He was better known by his stage name "Mory Kante". Kante was a singer, songwriter, and kora player who was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of African music. He first gained fame with his hit song "Yeke Yeke" in 1987, which became a crossover success in Europe and topped several charts. Kante went on to release more than 20 albums throughout his career and collaborated with many musicians from around the world. In recognition of his contributions to music, Kante was awarded an Order of National Merit by the Guinean government in 1999. He passed away at the age of 59 due to chronic health issues.
Kante was born into a family of griots, who are traditional storytellers and musicians in West Africa. He began playing the kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute used widely in West Africa, at a young age and learned to sing and compose songs as well. His unique style of mixing traditional African music with Western instruments and arrangements earned him a global fan base.
In addition to his successful music career, Kante was also known for his philanthropic work. He established the Fondation Mory Kante in 2000, which aimed to promote education and healthcare in Guinea. Kante was also active in promoting peace and unity in Africa, and was a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.
Kante's legacy continues to live on through his music, which has been influential in promoting African sounds in the international music industry. His hit song "Yeke Yeke" has been remixed and covered by many artists over the years and remains a popular dance track in many clubs around the world. Kante is remembered as a legendary pioneer of African music who brought the sounds and rhythms of West Africa to a global audience.
Throughout his career, Mory Kante was known for his commitment to preserving and promoting African culture. He often incorporated traditional Guinean rhythms, languages, and instruments into his music, and was passionate about sharing his heritage with the world.
In addition to his musical and philanthropic achievements, Kante was also a respected advocate for the rights of African artists. He spoke out against exploitation and the unfair treatment of musicians and performers, and worked to ensure that African artists received fair compensation and recognition for their work.
Kante's impact on the music industry was profound, and his influence can still be heard in contemporary African music today. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for a new generation of African musicians and inspired a renewed interest in traditional African sounds around the world.
Despite his passing, Mory Kante's legacy lives on, and he remains one of Africa's most celebrated musicians and cultural icons.
Read more about Mohamed Sylla on Wikipedia »
Mamadi Keïta
Mamadi Keïta (April 5, 2015 Kankan-April 5, 1985 Kindia) was a Guinean personality.
Mamadi Keïta was a renowned Guinean football player who played as a striker for both his national team and several club teams. He started his football career with Hafia FC in 1967 and went on to become one of the most celebrated players in Guinea's history. Keïta played a crucial role in leading Guinea to several victories in the African Cup of Nations and the West African Nations Cup. He was also named African Footballer of the Year in 1971, which was a huge honor for him and his country. Apart from his football career, Keïta was also a politician who served as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in Guinea. He passed away on April 5, 1985, on his 50th birthday. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as one of Guinea's greatest footballers and statesmen lives on.
In addition to his many accomplishments on the field and in politics, Keïta was also known for his philanthropic work. He established the Keïta Foundation, which aimed to help impoverished communities in Guinea through various initiatives related to education and healthcare. Keïta was widely regarded as a hero in Guinea and his legacy continues to inspire young footballers in the country to this day. In his honor, the country's national stadium, Stade du 28 Septembre, was renamed Stade Mamadi Keïta in 2002.
Keïta's success on the field helped pave the way for many other Guinean footballers to play professionally in Europe. He played for French clubs Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Swiss club FC Zurich. It was during his time in Switzerland that Keïta suffered a career-ending injury, which led him to retire from football at only 31 years old.
Despite this setback, Keïta remained involved in sports and was an advocate for youth development. As Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, he worked to improve sports infrastructure and create opportunities for young people in Guinea. He was passionate about using sports to promote unity and national pride.
In addition to his philanthropic work through the Keïta Foundation, he was also involved in humanitarian efforts in Guinea. He was known to visit hospitals and schools to offer support and inspire young people.
Keïta's impact on Guinea has been profound, and his legacy continues to inspire generations. He is remembered not just for his incredible talent as a footballer, but also for his dedication to his country and its people.
Read more about Mamadi Keïta on Wikipedia »