mandeng groove: conakry
Francisco Espregueira
Focus on Conakry, the debut full-length LP from the 6-piece ensemble Mandeng Groove. Co-created by Guinean-Australian multi-instrumentalist Amadou Kalissa and Melbourne guitarist and producer Kyle Muir, Mandeng Groove's music is a vibrant bridge between continents, a "musical gift from Conakry to Coburg." At the heart of their compelling live performances lies the kora, the traditional harp of the Manding people of West Africa, through which they breathe new life into traditional repertoire with fresh and original interpretations. This dynamic blend of traditional sounds with jazz, soul, funk, and all things groove, is a testament to the band's concurrently deep, immersive, energetic, and fun approach to music.
The genesis of Conakry began in 2024, when the band spent a month in Conakry, Guinea, collaborating, studying, and recording with esteemed local musicians, including the likes of Ba Cissoko and Sekou Kouyate. Amadou Kalissa, hailing from a long lineage of West African griots, brings his mastery of traditional instruments to the forefront, creating a sound that takes on new life with each performance alongside some of Melbourne's most exciting jazz improvisers. As Kalissa himself puts it, "Mandeng music, you can play it to make people quiet, to listen to the sound. You can play music to make people dance - all of it. We are sending messages to people, about how to be in the world, to respect each other. All of that comes from Mandeng music." This album not only celebrates their roots but also deliver a powerful message through its profound grooves and rich cultural tapestry, following recent acclaimed performances at festivals like Strawberry Fields and Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Available on vinyl.