The Amazons of Guinea

The Amazons of Guinea

Serjant Mariam Kamara, Head of the Band.

The Amazons of Guinea is the first all-woman music band of the National Gendarmerie. It was formed back in 1961 by Keita Fodeba, Guinea’s former Minister for Defense and Security, who sought to break the pillars defining country’s prevailing artistry patterns. He also wanted to promote new mindset and give Guinean women an opportunity for self-realization and moving forward no matter the path they choose.

Originally, the band’s repertoire featured songs calling on African women to free themselves from the burden of feudalism, while their musical instrument arsenal included mandolini, kongs, violins, cellos and a double bass. In 1965 the ensemble decided to undertake several changes and integrate electric guitars, saxophones as well as pipes and a jazz drum kit.

Renowned for their strong self-discipline and exquisite music skills, the Amazons of Guinea have proven themselves as high-end professionals with an unbend willpower. Their concert activities span all over the African continent, and already include Senegal, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and others.

In 1979, the Amazons of Guinea staged their debut performance in Europe, scoring tremendous success at the Horizon-79 Festival in West Вerlin.

Since then they have been touring all around Europe and Africa, and even traveled as far as Cuba in 2013.

Notwithstanding the political and economic challenges Guinea is facing, as well as numerous losses and hardships, the Amazons do their best to preserve the long-standing traditions and never miss the high-end professional mark.