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Rail Band

[b]Rail Band de Bamako[/b] or [b]Super Rail Band[/b] is a Malian band founded in 1970, under the leadership of [a1123880]. Also called [b]Orchestre du Buffet de la gare de Bamako[/b] because it played there twice a week, it was largely responsible for the birth of modern Mandingo music from Mali. In 1970 [a10377] (vocals) joined the group and became its vocal lead. In 1971 joined [a99442] (lead guitar) and Mory Kanté (balafon, second vocals). In 1973 after Salif Keïta left for Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako, [a10431] became the lead vocals. In 1978 Tidiani Koné left the group and Djélimady Tounkara became its director. It was renamed [b]Super Rail Band International[/b] in 1979 led by [a2434447] and Djélimady Tounkara.