Death of Ismaïla Touré, founder and member of the group Touré Kunda, at the age of 73

Sylvie Claire / February 28, 2023

The Senegalese Ismaila Touré, co-founder and member of the musical group Touré Kunda, a pioneer of African music in France in the late 1970s, has died, his family announced Monday.

Ismaïla died this morning, at the age of 73, following a long illness in Paris," she wrote in a statement sent to AFP.

"He left an indelible mark in the world of music and culture. We are proud of his legacy and all the contributions he made throughout his life," the statement continued.

The family, which is calling for his privacy, says that "details of the funeral will be communicated in due course".

Created in the late 1970s and launched with the hit "E'Mma Africa" (1980), Touré Kunda, co-founded with his brother Sixu Tidiane, is an emblematic group of "world music", a laboratory of crossbreeding between traditional African music and more rock or jazz tones.

In total, they have released more than a dozen albums during their career and have played in festivals and concerts around the world. In France, they have been invited to celebrate, with their music, great events such as the re-election of President François Mitterrand.

Beyond his musical career, Ismaïla Touré (...) has worked to promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, and has been a staunch defender of peace, social justice and equal opportunity," says his family.

I am saddened to learn of the death of Ismaïla Touré, member of the mythical group Touré Kunda. It is a huge loss for Senegalese and African music," said Senegalese President Macky Sall on Twitter.

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Death of Ismaïla Touré, founder and member of the group Touré Kunda, at the age of 73

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