After facing the pandemic in 2020, guitarist and singer Baï Kamara Jr remembered his grandfather Tinka Tanner Kargbo who, at the beginning of the 20th century, in Sierra Leone, came to the aid of the poorest from village to village. This Good Samaritan indirectly inspired Traveling Medicine Man, the new album of our African troubadour. This saving and comforting blues is a natural and very effective vitamin.
When he made it appear living room in 2020, Baï Kamara Jr surely did not imagine that the enthusiasm that accompanied this exciting record was going to be quickly eroded by a global health crisis. So, taking all the necessary measures, he delivered services in small groups to keep the flame going. Three years later, his name has not been forgotten by fans of sparkling Afro-blues. His return to the front of the stage reflects an undeniable strength of character and artistic talent. It must be said that consistency is not an empty word for this traveling minstrel. For a long time, he has been mobilizing to give meaning to his repertoire by multiplying solidarity actions and charity concerts. Didn’t he assist Youssou N’Dour in 1998 in an operation called Building Bridges supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)? Hadn’t he raised funds for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2015 thanks to the recording of the song If I could walk on water interpreted by a collective of committed artists (Beverly Jo Scott, Manou Gallo, Marie Daulne of Zap Mama…)?
Baï Kamara Jr wears his heart on his sleeve and, even if unanimous recognition is slow in coming, he perseveres and is satisfied with these musical moments which bring happiness to his most fervent admirers. He knows he is on the right path. He feels seasoned enough, at 56, to defend his convictions and even dare to create more political compositions. Without naming them, he points the finger at these autocratic leaders whom he loathes. Mister President is a sufficiently clear pamphlet for the message to reach the ears of those concerned. Baï Kamara Jr asserts himself more and more with this generosity that makes him deeply endearing. During his Parisian concert, on April 6, 2023, he wanted to present an international group. Voodoo Sniffers members hail from the United States, Belgium, Burkina Faso and Togo. With a conductor born in Sierra Leone, the universalist intention was indisputable!
His next concert will take place on July 11, 2023 in Les Sables d’Olonne, in the west of France. His fervor and benevolence should easily seduce summer visitors passing through the Atlantic coast.
⇒ The website of Bai Kamara Jr..