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Official website of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival
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Official website of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival
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Official website of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival
3 July 2024

The First Ever All-Woman Band from Africa Will Perform at the Spasskaya Tower Festival

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The gorgeous Amazons of Guinea ensemble will become part of the Sixteenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival. Stepping on the cobblestones of Moscow’s Red Square from August 23 to September 1, the African ladies will narrate the story of the Dahomey Kingdom, an ancient powerful West African state, and the renowned Dahomey Amazons, the only female regiment in the continent’s history.

The Amazons of Guinea music band started their artistic path about sixty years ago and immediately became the symbol of African women liberation. Notwithstanding all the political and economic challenges Guinea’s been facing, the ladies managed to overcome all the hurdles along the road, mastering their skills to a remarkably professional level. The ensemble’s artistry reflects Guinea’s long way to freedom, independence, equality and social justice.

Promoting new mindset and the idea of giving Guinean women an opportunity for self-realization no matter the path they choose was Keita Fodeba, Guinea’s former Minister for Defense and Security. Seeking to break the country’s prevailing artistry patterns, in 1961 he decided to form within the National Gendarmerie a first ever female ensemble, later acquiring the name of the Amazons of Guinea.

The band’s musical instrument arsenal includes mandolini, kongs, violins, cellos and a double bass. Their profound and beautiful sounds take you on the journey along the fates of different Guinean women calling on them to free themselves from the burden of feudalism and traditionals dogmas. These outstanding ladies mean to stand up to men’s authoritarian rule and women’s arrogant indifference.

The ensemble’s musicians are continuously evolving and undertaking various changes such as integrating electric guitars, saxophones, pipes and a jazz drum kit. The Amazon’s beautiful music, vibrant dances and exclusive songs are the backbone of the band’s success, known both on the African continent and in Europe.

Serjant Mariam Kamara is at the helm of the band today. As a tenor saxophone she is writing a new chapter in the ensemble’s history. The Amazons of Guinea will bring to Moscow charming melodies, exotic dances and colorful attire.

The Spasskaya Tower Festival became a winner of the 2023 special grant competition by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.

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