Mory Kanté Biography: Death, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Age, Career, Wiki

Mory Kanté is a talented vocalist, kora player, singer, and songwriter known for blending traditional West African griot music with modern pop, funk, and electronic elements.

Having pioneered the fusion of Mandinka traditions with global sounds, he achieved international fame with his 1987 hit Yé ké yé ké, the first African single to sell over a million copies, establishing himself as a legendary figure in world music and African cultural ambassador.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Mory Kanté
• Stage Name: Mory Kanté
• Born: March 29, 1950
• Died: May 22, 2020 (aged 70 years old)
• Birthplace: Albadaria, Kissidougou, Guinea
• Nationality: Guinean
• Ethnicity: Guinean (Mandinka descent)
• Occupation: Vocalist, Kora Player, Singer, Songwriter
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Islam
• Parents: El Hadj Djeli Fodé Kanté and Fatouma Kamissoko
• Siblings: 37
• Spouse: Sira Kouyaté
• Children: Kebe Kante, Tenin kante, Kader kante, Fatim kante, Zeynab Kante, Marian Kante, Mohammed Kante
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million USD

Early Life and Education

Mory Kanté is a talented vocalist, kora player, singer, and songwriter. He was born on March 29, 1950, in Albadaria, Kissidougou, Guinea. Raised by his parents known as El Hadj Djeli Fodé Kanté and Fatouma Kamissoko. There is no information about his specific siblings, though he was one of 38 children in a prominent griot family.

He attended local French school in Guinea and continued griot education in Bamako, Mali, while absorbing influences from Western and Cuban music. Details about further formal education are kept private, his ethnicity is Guinean (Mandinka). His religion is Islam.

Career

Mory Kanté first rose to prominence in the 1970s with bands like the Rail Band in Mali (alongside Salif Keita) and Les Ambassadeurs, mastering guitar, balafon, and kora. He moved to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 1977, forming a large band and incorporating soul, R&B, and electric elements.

Relocating to Paris in the 1980s, he released albums fusing traditional Mandinka music with pop. His breakthrough came with Yé ké yé ké from Akwaba Beach (1987), topping charts in Europe and becoming a global dance hit featuring the kora.

Albums like 10 Cola Nuts (1986), Touma (1990), and later Cocorico! Balade d’un griot (2017) showcased his innovative “electric griot” style. He performed worldwide, collaborated across genres, and preserved West African heritage while reaching millions, earning acclaim as a trailblazer in worldbeat and Afro-funk.

Social Media

• Mory Kanté does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Mory Kanté, deceased at 70, was a talented vocalist, kora player, singer, and songwriter. He was married to Sira Kouyaté and had seven children with her: Kebe, Tenin, Kader, Fatim, Zeynab, Marian (twins), and Mohammed. He also had children from an earlier marriage.

Known for his white attire on stage and commitment to griot traditions, he lived between Guinea and international tours, sharing his passion for music, culture, and family until his passing in Conakry from untreated health issues.

Net Worth

Mory Kanté was a talented vocalist, kora player, singer, and songwriter. Net worth is estimated at $10 million USD (at time of death). His income primarily came from:

• Album sales (including million-selling hits)
• International tours and performances
• Royalties from global chart success
• Collaborations
• Music publishing
• Live shows bridging African and Western audiences

Discography

• Courougnegne (1981)
• N’Diarabi (1982)
• A Paris (1984)
• 10 Cola Nuts (1986)
• Akwaba Beach (1987)
• Touma (1990)
• Nongo Village (1993)
• Tatebola (1996)
• Tamala – Le Voyageur (2001)
• Sabou (2004)
• Cocorico! Balade d’un griot (2017)