Camayenne Sofa

An offshoot of the popular Guinean band Sextet Camayenne, Camayenne Sofa dominated West Africa's hit parade during the 1970s. Their many hits included the chart-topper "Were Were." The group struggled with many personnel changes. Original members Bossély Keita, Mamadou Camara, and Salia Camara left to form their own group, Kaloum Star, while drummer Papa Kouyate was recruited for Miriam Makeba's Quintet Guineen and vocalist Ange Miguel went on to perform with Tambourinis. Camayenne Sofa has continued to perform, under the direction of the sole remaining founding member, Jean-Baptiste Williams. Bass player Francois Koivoqui has assumed the role of "orchestra chief," while the band's vocalists include Mamady Camara, Youssouf Ba, and Zeze. ~ Craig Harris