Horoya Band was one of the state-sponsored regional and national orchestras of Guinea in the wake of independence, mostly during the period of 1958 to 1975. Pursuant to the ideology that independence can only be truly sustained through the promotion of national cultural treasures, Ahmet Sekou Toure's Ministry of Culture channeled tons of cash into supporting local artists as they and encouraged them to draw from their vast cultural heritage. As a result, every region had at least one state-sponsored orchestra or band; thus there were the Nimba Jazz of Nzérékoré, the Kolima Jazz of Labé, the Kebendo Jazz, etc... The most successful ones were based in the Capital Conakry: Bembeya Jazz, Kélétigui, Balla et ses Balladins, Syli Authentique (second generation with a new upbeat, more infectious sound).
Kamissa Barry
