Rail Band

Malian Afro-pop pioneers

Rail Band de Bamako or Super Rail Band is a Malian band founded in 1970, under the leadership of Tidiani Koné. Also called Orchester du Buffet de la gare de Bamako because it played there twice a week, it was largely responsible for the birth of modern Mandingo music from Mali. In 1970 Salif Keita (vocals) joined the group and became its vocal lead. In 1971 joined Djelimady Tounkara (lead guitar) and Mory Kanté (balafon, second vocals). In 1973 after Salif Keïta left for Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako, Mory Kanté became the lead vocals. In 1978 Tidiani Koné left the group and Djélimady Tounkara became its director. It was renamed Super Rail Band International in 1979 led by Kabiné Keita and Djélimady Tounkara.