Koko Dembelé, also known as Hugues Aufrey, hails from a family of Malian griots. He started his musical journey with percussion in childhood and attended French-speaking schools in Mopti and Bandiagara. In the 70s, Koko pursued a musical career, becoming the solo guitarist and lead singer of the band Kanaga. By 1993, he had released the successful solo album Baguinée, featuring the hit song "Amagni." Koko's fame grew, leading to notable performances and a successful career. His music blends roots reggae with traditional Malian melodies, advocating for tolerance, hope, and political commitment. His latest album, Tieba, was released in 2019.
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The title track from Dembelé’s 2019 album, “Tieba”(Young Man) offers advice in Bambara to Mali’s youth. “Hey young man / What are you thinking? / Don't ruin your future / The day is long, but your time will come / Destiny is inevitable / Get up, get up, get up / Don't accept humiliation / The farmer has become rich / The fisherman has become rich / The merchant has become rich / The student has become rich.”
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