The Senegalese Ismaïla Touré, co-founder and member of the musical group Touré Kunda, a pioneer of African music in France at the end of the 1970s, has died, his family announced on Monday February 27. “Ismaïla died this morning, at the age of 73, following a long illness in Paris”she wrote in a press release sent to AFP. “He left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture. We are proud of his legacy and all the contributions he made throughout his life.”continues the press release.
The family, which calls for respect for his private life, specifies that “Funeral details will be communicated in due course”.
Created in the late 1970s and launched with the hit “E’Mma” (1980), Touré Kunda, co-founded with his brother Sixu Tidiane, is an emblematic group of the « world music »a laboratory of interbreeding between traditional African music and more rock or jazz tones.
In total they have released over a dozen albums during their career and have performed at festivals and concerts around the world. In France, they were invited to celebrate, with their music, major events, such as the re-election of President François Mitterrand.
“We have opened a grand boulevard! We have always been open to input from other musicians, whether French, African, West Indian, Mauritian or otherwise.”told the two brothers in January 2018 in an interview with the French weekly Sunday newspaperon the occasion of the 40th anniversary of their career.
“Beyond her musical career, Ismaïla Touré (…) worked to promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, and was a strong advocate for peace, social justice and equal opportunity”greets his family.
“I am saddened to learn of the death of Ismaïla Touré, member of the legendary Touré Kunda group. It’s a huge loss for Senegalese and African music.”Senegalese President Macky Sall reacted on Twitter.