Tambaoura Jazz, Djelale,The Lost Maestros Project, Segou,Mali

Every two years, the Malian government organizes nationwide cultural competitions whereby each region sends an official orchestra to compete for glory in Bamako. In the early 1970s, the Commandant du Cercle of Kéniéba decided to create the Tambaoura Jazz orchestra under the artistic direction of Keletigui Diabaté. After showcasing their talents during the first phase of the competition held in each region’s capital, the members of each region’s official orchestra are comprised of the best musicians from local bands such as Tambaoura Jazz. Influenced by the traditional Khasonke et Mandingue repertoires, the musicians of Tambaoura Jazz featured on the album “Tribute to Mangala” are: Abdoul Karim Bagaga, Moulaye Mourou, Djélibani Sissoko, and Broda Diabaté. Mangala Camara, who joined the band as a 12 year old in 1972, left the band in 1986 to embark on a solo career and Tambaoura Jazz continued to perform as an orchestra until 1990.