Atención Music Spotlight: Sekouna Conté, A Voice Rooted In Joy

By Felecia Ford

Sekouna Conté was born into a lineage of musical and dance tradition. He demonstrated exceptional talent from an early age, quickly assuming leading roles in the ensembles he joined and establishing himself as a devoted guardian of ancestral musical knowledge.

Originally from Forecariah, Guinea, Sekou was raised in a culture not unlike México, where music and dance are a way of life.

He was supported by his family, who valued both his education and his artistic expression. That support and his passion for his musical journey have since carried him far beyond his village. His journey has taken him across West Africa and onto international stages, including his prestigious role as Principal Kora Player for the National Ballet of Guinea—one of the world’s most respected cultural institutions dedicated to preserving African performance traditions. From an early age, it was clear he was meant to carry that tradition forward—as a gift not only to his own people, but to audiences around the world.

FF: You have travelled all over the world, what drew you to San Miguel de Allende?

SC: I have Mexican friends here that I actually met in Guinea—Fernando Mancera and Isa Jones Álvarez—and because of them I discovered San Miguel for the first time. I came to San Miguel because of friends, music, and the tranquility to work on my music. I created a music group, México - Guinea, called Africa Namunyi Roots. I teach dance and percussion classes as well, and I make kora instruments here in San Miguel de Allende. I have been in México four years now, I love living here.

FF: It has been inspiring to watch your concerts evolve over the years into what is now a beautiful fusion of your African roots music with not only a drummer but two and sometimes three more musicians who really bring a rich jazz texture. Who is in your band currently?

SC: My very good friend on African drums and trap set is Fernando Mancera and he is from San Miguel. Carlos Vargas - México City and San Miguel de Allende - plays keyboards and on bass is Ruben Olvera - Los Angeles and San Miguel de Allende. If we play as a quintet you will hear Freddy Thompson from Cuba on sax. We created the group from a shared love of music and culture, bringing together African roots, jazz influences, and outstanding musicians who all together create something unique.

FF: Yes, I agree. The way you inter-weave your voice, rhythms, and melodies with your band is really unique and your sound is hypnotic. Would you like to tell us a little bit about the instruments you play in this band and what they are called?

SC: My main instrument is called the kora and it has 21 strings. Another instrument is the balafon, which has 22 blades. These are sacred instruments that have existed for centuries.

FF: Do you and your band have any particular focus for this year?

SC: Yes, we have a recording project with our own original music as a group and we will also record traditional music with African roots.

FF: Excellent. I want to hear those recordings when they are finished. Do you have any concerts coming up this month that we all should know about?

SC: Yes, Africa Namunyi Roots will be in concert May 24^th, Sunday, at Cent’anni at 6:00 p.m.

FF: I love Cent’anni—it’s truly a beautiful listening room. So far I’ve heard you at Teatro Angela Peralta, Cafe Rama, several private functions, and recently at El Sindicato. I really look forward to hearing you at Cent’anni because Tane, the house sound engineer really knows his room. We will hear every nuance of your voice and your bands sound there. I can’t wait. One last thing I’d love to know before we say Au revoir is—can you explain what you are feeling when you are playing music?

SC: I feel very very good when I am playing. I’m so happy and full of joy.

FF: Yes you are! I wholeheartedly agree, and that joy has been lovingly cultivated and earned. Bravo, Sekou!

Through dance, song, and rhythm, Sekouna Conté invites us to not only listen, but to participate. Those interested in experiencing and learning firsthand can connect with him locally, where his workshops continue to grow in popularity among both residents and visitors alike. Go see him live!

Follow Sekouna on Facebook:sekou.conte.16

Photo by @jose_julian_photography

www.feleciafordmusic.com