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step outline
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Farafina means : « The country of those who have a black skin »
They are originated from Burkina Faso, West Africa.
In 1978, master Balafon player Mahama Konate forms the group Farafina in Upper Volta.
In 1982, the group appears for the first time in Europe (France, Switzerland).
In 1987, collaboration with the trumpet player and author Jon Hassell, an encounter of sophisticated technology and warm rhythms.
The performance is presented in Italy, France, UK and Germany and at the Lincoln Center in New York.
Out of the recording done in NY, Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois and Jon Hassell produce together the album “FLASH OF A SPIRIT”.
In 1988, Farafina and Jon Hassell tour together in Japan giving eight concerts.
In November, Farafina records in Germany “BOLOMAKOTE”, first studio album.
In 1989 Ryuishi Sakamoto invites Farafina's rhythmic section to play on his album "BEAUTY".
In June, they open the “Nelson Mandela 70th Anniversary Tribute” at the Wembley stadium in London.
In 1989, while performing in London, the Rolling Stones’ producer discovers the group and a couple of weeks later, they participate with they rhythmic section on the track “CONTINENTAL DRIFT”.
In 1991, Mahama Konate, the founder of Farafina, leaves the group.
Farafina keeps movig on, mixing African traditions, authentic instruments and new sounds.
The subtle rhythms and complex percussions style remain specific to their music.
En 1992, Farafina is invited to perform and record at Real World's second Recording Week.
During this session, Billy Cobham and Daniel Lanois produce the recording of four titles each.
In 1993, the album "FASO DENOU" is released.
The Festival "Les 38ème Rugissants" of Grenoble, France, invites Farafina and Robert Hébrard for a unique performance combining their music with Hébrard's sculptural instruments.
In 1995, "Jantol" is created at the Montreux Jazz festival, Switzerland, a project that merges west African music and European jazz, together with Malcolm Braff, Olivier Clerc, Bänz Oester, Paolo Fresu and Djamel Ben Yelles.
In 1997 they record "NEMAKO" in Switzerland, the album is released in 1998.
In 1999, Fatoumata Dembele, a female singer, joins the group.
In 2000 they record "KANOU" in Burkina-Faso together with Thierry Van Roy. The album is postproduced in Belgium and mixed by Benoît Corboz in Lausanne.
November 2001, release of "KANOU" by l'Empreinte Digitale on Intuition/Schott Music.
In 2002, concerts tour + Sirafaran at Expo.02 in Switzerland, performance with Matthieu Michel, Dragos Tara, Bertrand Blessing and Laurent Estoppey, who have joined Farafina for an experience of fusion between Jazz and West African musics.
Concerts in Italy, Switzerland, Las Palmas, France.
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