Mariama

Since 1969, the legendary Rail Band was the main band of the national railways of Mali. For over twenty years, this group performed in the garden of a colonial building next to the Bamako station. Because of the variety of visitors, the Rail Band played in many different styles. The Rail Band was renowned for its brilliant singer. Salif Keita was the first singer of the Rail Band for many years, but for Mory Kanté and guitar player Djelimady Tounkara this period was also the beginning of their success.

Between 2007 and 2009, 3 magnificent double CDs were released containing the best work recorded by the Rail Band between 1970 and 1983: ‘Soundiata’ from 2007, ‘Mansa’ from 2008 and ‘Dioba’ from 2009. The group still exists and nowadays it is guitar player Djelimady Tounkara who leads it. After many years of absence, the Rail Band can be seen and listened to once again at the Music Meeting in Nijmegen.
1. Mali Yo – Rail Band
    CD Soundiata; vol. 1 Sterns STCD 3033-34 
    (2007)
2. Konowale – Rail Band
    CD Mansa; vol. 2 Sterns STCD 3039-40 (2008)
3. Bediana Mogo – Rail Band
    CD Dioba; vol. 3 Sterns STCD 3043-44 (2009)
4. Sinsimba – Rail Band
    CD Dioba; vol. 3 Sterns STCD 3043-44 (2009
5. Kadia Kandian
    CD Dioba; vol. 3 Sterns STCD 3043-44 (2009
6. Foliba- Rail Band
    CD Dioba; vol. 3 Sterns STCD 3043-44 (2009
7. Talassa – Rail Band
    CD Dioba; vol. 3 Sterns STCD 3043-44 (2009  
8. Soyomba – Rail Band
    CD Dioba; vol. 3 Sterns STCD 3043-44 (2009