Mory Kanté, called the “electric griot” for his fusion of contemporary styles with traditional West African influences, passed away this month at the age of 70 of untreated health problems.

Kanté brought Guinean and Mandingo culture to the world.

An artist with a social conscience, Kanté built an entertainment complex in the village of Nongo, near Conakry, featuring a 1,500-seat auditorium, two sophisticated recording studios and leisure facilities.

Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour called Kanté “a baobab of African culture”.

The president of Guinea, Alpha Condé, said African culture was in mourning and praised Kanté for an exceptional career.