Seny Sangare and Safoura Denou were a celebrated duo (both in life and art) in Mali, active well before the international success of other famous duos like Amadou & Mariam. Their music belongs to the Griot (or Jeli) tradition—the itinerant poets and singers who preserve the oral history of the Mandé people.
Tracklist
The cassette is divided into two sides with the following tracks:
Side A:
- Diouba
- Mali Chauffeur
- Nakebaraye
Side B:
- Matefili Diougouma
- Desse
- Barake Mali
The cassette shows signs of humidity; in particular, the upper screws are completely rusted. I had to open the case to reattach the tape, which had come loose.
Side A
Side B
Technical Analysis & Credits
Based on the visual evidence and discographic databases, we can integrate the following data:
- Production: Although this specific version was distributed by Super Sound Inc. in Monrovia, many of their original sessions were recorded or mixed by Boubacar Traoré (namesake of the famous Malian bluesman, but here acting as a sound engineer/technician).
- Instrumentation: The man on the cover is playing a Bolon (a three-stringed harp with a gourd resonator), an instrument traditionally associated with the hunter class or noble warriors. Safoura Denou provides the lead vocals, characterized by a powerful register typical of the female griot tradition (jelimusow).
Historical Insight: The “Liberian Connection”
The presence of the Super Sound Inc. Monrovia brand on this cassette is a precious detail. In the 1980s, Monrovia (Liberia) was a massive commercial hub for licensed and bootleg cassettes that circulated throughout the region. This specimen testifies to how Malian music served as the “pop music” of the era across West Africa, reaching far beyond the borders of Mali itself.
Safoura Denou & Seny Sangaré – Maya Gassi
This video features a rare television appearance by the duo in the mid-80s, allowing you to see their performance style.