The world of Senegalese music is in mourning with the disappearance of Ismaïla Touré, founder and member of the musical group Touré Kunda. It was his family, in a press release, who announced the sad news on Monday, February 27: “ Ismaïla died this morning, at the age of 73, following a long illness in Paris. »
« Ismaïla Touré was a beloved musician, artist, father and friend. He left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture. We are proud of his legacy and all the contributions he made throughout his life “, Continues the family of the man who founded the Touré Kunda group with his older brother, Sixu Tidiane Touré, in 1978.
Touré Kunda is the first African formation to have succeeded in imposing itself in France in the 1970s, before making itself known abroad. Their music mixed the sounds of the continent with other genres such as jazz or reggae. Ismaïla formed a shock duo with her brother.
Both reigned for many years on what is called World Music in the 1980s, especially during gigantic concerts, given in Africa among others. Franck Tenaille, author at Seghers of a book entitled Touré Kunda, confides:
« These were huge concerts that will give rise to a magnificent record, Paris Ziguinchor. They sang in several languages, in Soninke, in Mandinka, in Diola, in Fulani. They made themselves known all over the world and played with great artists. I’m thinking of Carlos Santana, with whom they had a very close relationship. The group was very well known in Japan. »
The Touré Kunda had made their big comeback to the front of the stage five years ago following a long silence. Their new album was followed by an anniversary tour celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary.
Macky Sall, the President of the Republic of Senegal, paid tribute to the deceased singer: ” I am saddened to learn of the death of Ismaïla Touré, member of the legendary Touré Kunda group. It is a huge loss for Senegalese and African music. »
