Balla et ses Balladins, also known as Orchestre du Jardin de Guinee, was a dance-music ensemble that was established in Conakry in Guinea in 1962 after the dissolution of Syli Orchestre Natal, the first state-sponsored group in Guinea. The Orchestre du Jardinde Guinee was also known as this group. It was named after Conakry’s “bar dancing” music venue. They made many recordings for the Syliphone record label. They were the first modern dance musical groups to combine traditional music from Guinea with modern influences. Guinea, a newly independent country, established many music competitions and festivals to promote traditional musics from Guinea. To record the music, the Syliphone label was also established by the government to preserve and enhance the culture and traditions of the new country. Named after Balla Onivogui (trombone player), the group was founded in 1938 in Macenta. He was born in a small town in south east Guinea. Before being recruited to participate in the Guinea independence celebrations of 1959. He was quickly made a member the Syli Orchestre Natal, the state’s most prominent orchestra. They were responsible for training music groups in Guinea and teaching them how to play traditional musics. To expand the programme, the government divided the orchestra into smaller units. One of these units was led by Balla and held a residency in the Conakry nightclub Jardin de Guinee. The Keletigui Et ses Tambourinis was another group that emerged from the split. Les Balladins recorded a variety of songs for the Syliphone state-owned label, which was established in 1968. They also toured overseas representing Guinea, and some of their members were backing musicians for Miriam Makeba during her time in Guinea in 1970s. After a disagreement with officials in 1970, Balla was temporarily replaced by Pivi Moriba (a trombone player) as the leader. This position was restored after Sekou Toure intervened. In the 1970s, Guinea was hit by a series economic crises. The national orchestras were established as private companies in 1983. The Syliphone label was discontinued in 1984 after President Sekou Toure’s death. Balla et ses Balladins played during the Lansana Conte era. When Balla Onivogui retired, his group recruited new musicians. They still perform in Conakry. Balla Onivogui, 75, died in Conakry from a heart attack.
